The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has formally petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of the National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Awudu Sofo Azorka, and the NDC’s Constituency Communications Officer for Abuakwa North, Abdul Wahab Amadu, over alleged criminal conduct during the Akwatia by-election held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

In a letter dated September 3, 2025, and signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, the party accused Azorka and Amadu of actions that threatened public safety, undermined the democratic process, and created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.

The petition outlined specific incidents, including threats of violence, physical assault, and incitement, which the NPP claims violated Ghanaian laws and electoral regulations.

Akwatia By-Election: NPP Vice Chair slapped during fracas with NDC's Azorka

According to the petition, a widely circulated video captured Azorka threatening the life of the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin. Azorka was quoted as saying, “They said Afenyo-Markin was here. I swear to God, if I had met him here, there would have been a by-election in his constituency.”

The NPP described this as an unprovoked and deliberate threat, noting that Azorka later admitted no campaign posters had been torn down, contrary to initial claims.

The petition also alleged that at the Akwatia Lorry Station polling station, Azorka verbally abused and physically assaulted the NPP’s Third National Vice Chairman, Alhaji Osman Masawudu, by pushing him and brushing his face, particularly his nose.

Subsequently, a member of Azorka’s entourage allegedly slapped Masawudu in public, an act the NPP described as unprovoked and a serious breach of public order.

NPP to file official police complaint over Azorka's death threats, other incidents in Akwatia

Additionally, the NPP accused Amadu of threatening the lives of prominent party members, including Nsawam Adoagyir MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh and NPP National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B).

Speaking in Twi, Amadu allegedly said, “Annoh Dompreh, Nana B; if they joke, wallahi, they will all die.”

The party submitted a pen drive containing recordings of these incidents to aid police investigations.

Citing Azorka’s history as the founder of the proscribed NDC vigilante group “Azorka Boys,” the NPP argued that such threats must not be taken lightly. The petition referenced Sections 69, 74, 75, 84, 86, and 207 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), which prohibit causing harm, threats of harm, assault, and offensive conduct.

It also cited the Electoral Commission’s regulations and the Political Parties Code of Conduct, which mandate peace and civility during elections.

The NPP urged the IGP to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, arrest and prosecute Azorka, his accomplice, and Amadu, and provide a public update on the progress of the investigation to reassure Ghanaians of the Police Service’s commitment to law and order.

The party warned that failure to act risks normalising political thuggery and eroding public trust in the Ghana Police Service and the democratic process.

The Akwatia by-election, triggered by the death of NPP MP Ernest Yaw Kumi, saw the NDC’s Bernard Bediako Baidoo emerge victorious with 18,199 votes against the NPP’s Solomon Kwame Asumadu’s 15,235 votes.

Read the full petition below:



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