Tensions erupted at the Akwatia Lorry Station in the Vawaso Electoral Area on Tuesday during the by-election when a heated altercation 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.
Alhaji Masawudu, recounting the incident, said the confrontation unfolded while he was addressing the media near the Akwatia Zongo area, where he had been deployed to supervise polling activities.
“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 narrated.
He further alleged that the incident occurred openly in front 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 confrontation escalated when a member of Azorka’s escort reportedly slapped Masawudu before police stepped in to calm the situation. No arrests have been reported so far.
The clash adds to mounting tensions between supporters of the two main political parties as the by-election unfolds across 119 polling stations in the Akwatia Constituency.
With more than 50,000 registered voters expected to cast their ballots, the by-election is seen as a crucial contest, and security officials continue to maintain order as voting progresses.
