We are always the victims in every elections – NPP

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.

“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.