Tensions flared at the Akwatia Lorry Station in the Vawaso Electoral Area on Tuesday during the ongoing by-election, when a confrontation broke out between Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the third National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and the escort of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) Vice Chairman, Chief Sofo Azorka. Narrating the incident, Alhaji Masawudu said the altercation occurred while he was speaking to the media near the Akwatia Zongo area, where he had been deployed to monitor the polls.
“I have been assigned to supervise and monitor the election at Akwatia Zongo. In fact, I was granting an interview when a national vice chairman of the NDC, Azorka — because of ignorance — comes straight to where I was granting an interview to attack me,” Masawudu recounted. He alleged that the confrontation unfolded in full view of security personnel.
“This incident happened in the presence of the police. He said it clearly that today he will make sure that I will be caned here, myself and Afenyo-Markin,” he added. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the altercation escalated quickly, with a member of Azorka’s escort reportedly slapping Masawudu before police intervened to restore order. No arrests have been confirmed so far.
The clash adds to a string of confrontations between supporters of the two main political parties as voting continues across 119 polling stations in the Akwatia Constituency. More than 50,000 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots by close of polls in the high-stakes by-election.
Source: Abigail Arthur
