Dennis Amfo Sefa, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate for Tema West in the 2024 general election, has openly called for armed readiness in the by-election expected in Akwatia in response to the violence that marked the parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North.
Describing the incident as a “dangerous precedent”, Amfo Sefa’s statements have raised alarms about the potential for increased political violence.
In an interview with Channel One News on Friday, July 11, during the polls, Amfo Sefa voiced his outrage, accusing the NDC of fostering a climate of violence to sway electoral outcomes.
“This is a sad and dangerous precedent that is being set by the NDC. Over the years, whenever there is a by-election, we in the NPP conduct ourselves democratically,” he stated, calling for an end to the cycle of aggression.
When pressed further about the violent events that marred the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, Amfo Sefa’s frustration was palpable.
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“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,” he warned, a statement that has drawn serious concern from political analysts regarding its potential to incite further violence.
On Friday, July 11, chaos erupted at a polling station located at St. Peter’s Methodist Church, where a group of unidentified armed men stormed the centre, disrupting the voting process.
This turmoil led to physical assaults on prominent NPP figures, including Nana Akua Afriyie, the party’s parliamentary candidate, and Hawa Koomson, the former Minister of Fisheries.
Such acts of aggression have reignited fears surrounding the security of electoral environments in the country, where political tensions have historically escalated during elections.
The call to arms reflects an alarming trend in Ghanaian politics, particularly as reports from the Ghana Police Service indicate a 30% increase in politically motivated violence compared to previous election cycles.
This surge poses a significant threat not only to the integrity of the electoral process but also to the safety of citizens who wish to exercise their democratic rights.