We will arm ourselves and get ready for Akwatia – NPP’s Amfo Sefa

Dennis Amfo Sefa, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Tema West in the 2024 elections, has sparked controversy after urging for armed preparedness in the anticipated Akwatia by-election. His call came in response to the violent scenes witnessed during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun held on Friday, July 11.

Amfo Sefa, in an interview with Channel One News, monitored by DailyNewsGhana, described the events in Ablekuma North as a “dangerous precedent” and accused the National Democratic Congress (NDC) of deliberately promoting violence to gain political advantage.

His comments have raised serious concerns among political watchers and civil society groups, especially in light of Ghana’s long-standing commitment to democratic principles and peaceful elections.

“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,” Amfo Sefa said. He warned that if such violent trends are not addressed, it would only lead to a cycle of retaliation and chaos.

When questioned about the infamous violence that took place during the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election—an event where gunshots and injuries disrupted the polls—Amfo Sefa grew visibly frustrated. “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 added.

His statement has drawn sharp criticism, with political analysts cautioning that it could incite further violence and undermine the peace Ghana has worked hard to maintain in its electoral processes. The timing of Amfo Sefa’s remarks has only heightened fears, especially after the violent disruption that occurred during the Ablekuma North rerun.

At St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station, chaos erupted when a group of unidentified armed men stormed the premises. In the resulting melee, NPP parliamentary candidate Nana Akua Afriyie and former Fisheries Minister Hawa Koomson were physically assaulted. Eyewitness reports confirmed that the attack was aggressive and highly coordinated, temporarily halting voting at the center until security forces intervened.

These incidents, coupled with Amfo Sefa’s inflammatory remarks, have brought national attention to the growing threat of politically motivated violence. The Ghana Police Service has reportedly noted a 30% rise in such incidents compared to previous election cycles, a troubling statistic that points to a worsening security climate around electoral activities.

The idea of political actors arming themselves has triggered strong reactions from civil society groups, electoral observers, and human rights advocates. Many fear that if leaders begin to promote or justify violence—whether out of frustration or strategy—it could irreparably damage Ghana’s democratic fabric.

While the Electoral Commission continues its work to ensure fairness and transparency in electoral processes, the onus is also on political leaders to tone down rhetoric that could fuel unrest. The memory of past electoral clashes, including the deadly scenes at Ayawaso West Wuogon, still lingers in the minds of many Ghanaians. Calls for escalation, especially in a tense political atmosphere, risk reopening old wounds and endangering the lives of voters, election officials, and journalists.

For now, attention turns to Akwatia, where a by-election is expected to be held. As preparations begin, both security agencies and election observers are likely to monitor developments closely, especially in the wake of Amfo Sefa’s comments. Whether his words were born out of anger or strategy, their implications are serious, and how authorities and party leadership respond could determine the tone of elections to come.

Many are calling on the leadership of the NPP to publicly clarify its stance on Amfo Sefa’s comments and reinforce its commitment to peaceful democratic engagement. The NDC, on its part, has also come under scrutiny over its alleged role in the violence at Ablekuma North. As political tensions remain high, both major parties face growing pressure to rein in their supporters and commit to peaceful, transparent, and fair electoral processes.