New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Tema West in the 2024 general elections, Dennis Amfo Sefa, has threatened that they will repeat the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election violence in the upcoming Akwatia by-election.
His remarks come in response to violent incidents that disrupted the recent parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North constituency.
Speaking to Channel One News on Friday, July 11, in Ablekuma North, Amfo Sefa described the chaos that unfolded as a dangerous precedent and accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of inciting violence to manipulate electoral outcomes.
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He alleged, “They want to use violence to win elections. If the state will not stop them, then we will stop them.”
Expressing his outrage after his attention was drawn to the violence perpetrated by hooded armed men in the Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, Amfo Sefa didn’t mince words when asked about the implications of retaliatory violence, he said: “Is that to say we should continue? If that is what you are saying, then it means we should prepare for Akwatia. We have to arm ourselves and get ready—and we will repeat it there.
Violence occurred at a polling station at St. Peter’s Methodist Church in Ablekuma North, where a group of unidentified individuals stormed the centre, disrupting the voting process. The chaos resulted in physical assaults on key NPP figures, including the party’s parliamentary candidate, Nana Akua Afriyie, and former Minister for Fisheries, Hawa Koomson.
The incident has reignited concerns about the security and fairness of Ghana’s electoral processes. Historically, political tensions in the country have tended to escalate during elections, and Amfo Sefa’s incendiary comments have amplified fears of a return to politically motivated violence.
Reports from the Ghana Police Service highlight a worrying 30% increase in politically motivated violence compared to previous election cycles, underscoring the fragility of Ghana’s democratic space.
Observers and civil society groups have urged political leaders across the divide to exercise restraint and prioritise peaceful engagement as the nation prepares for the Akwatia by-election. The stakes are high—not only for the integrity of the electoral process but also for the safety of ordinary citizens committed to participating in Ghana’s democracy.