A surprise visit by the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, to the opposition NDC’s constituency office in Akwatia on Tuesday triggered a dramatic scene, with National Vice Chairman of the NDC, Chief Sofo Azorka, launching a scathing verbal attack and labeling the move as a “provocation.”
Tensions escalated when Afenyo-Markin, leading a New Patriotic Party (NPP) entourage, arrived unannounced at the NDC office amid the ongoing by-election in the Eastern Region constituency. Party executives, caught off guard, confronted the group, resulting in heated verbal exchanges between NDC supporters and the visiting team.
An infuriated Azorka, speaking to the media shortly after the incident, accused the NPP of “intimidation tactics” and described the visit as a deliberate attempt to provoke unrest ahead of election results.
“This is highly disrespectful. Why storm our office? What does he want here— is he the NDC secretary?” Azorka fumed. “If he tries anything in this by-election, we will ensure a by-election happens in his own constituency.”
NDC members at the scene claimed that Afenyo-Markin’s team attempted to remove campaign posters of the party’s candidate, further fueling suspicion of foul play. Some also alleged that NPP-branded items were displayed in the vicinity of the office, intensifying political tension.
One person was arrested during the confrontation, police later confirmed, although details of the individual’s involvement remain unclear.
The high-stakes by-election, triggered by the death of sitting MP Ernest Kumi, is currently underway across 119 polling stations in the constituency. Over 50,000 registered voters are expected to participate, with results expected by the end of the day.
Observers say the incident reflects rising political temperatures as both major parties battle for control of the swing constituency.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Gumedzo Isaac Acheampong
