NPP’s Richard Ahiagbah blames Sofo Azorka, NDC violence for Akwatia defeat

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has attributed its loss in the Akwatia by-election to violent acts allegedly carried out by the National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly its National Vice Chairman, Sofo Azorka.

Speaking on Joy News on Wednesday, September 3, the NPP’s Communication Director, Richard Ahiagbah, said the conduct of Mr. Azorka and his supporters created fear and panic among voters, ultimately suppressing turnout and damaging the party’s chances.

“Sofo Azorka, NDC’s National Vice Chairman, in a very violent way, accosted an individual who had not said anything to him except to give an interview, give his view or report on what is happening.

“And then he accosted him, abused him in the manner he did, and then his people slapped him. And today, as we speak, he’s home, he’s probably watching us on TV, and we are wondering, what is this?” Mr. Ahiagbah recounted.

He stressed that the incident went beyond just an attack on one individual, insisting that it had wider implications for the entire electoral process in Akwatia.

“The implication of that is that it heightens tension in the environment and, in most likely situations, creates fear and panic for most of the people who could have come out to vote and not to come out.

“And we believe that our victory lay in turnout, and if people had come out in a manner we anticipated, we would have won that election,” he said.

According to Mr. Ahiagbah, the NDC deliberately pursued a strategy of intimidation aimed at reducing voter participation in the by-election.

“But a systematic effort by the NDC to suppress the vote created fear and panic,” he added.

The Akwatia by-election, which was held following the sudden death of the late NPP MP Ernest Kumi, was won by the NDC’s Bernard Bediako.