Former New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Tema West, Dennis Amfo Sefa, has sparked public outrage after calling on party supporters to “arm and prepare” for a future electoral contest in Akwatia, in response to violence that disrupted the Ablekuma North rerun.
Speaking on Channel One News following the rerun on Friday, July 11, Amfo Sefa alleged that the violence witnessed—particularly at St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station, where NPP figures including Nana Akua Afriyie and Hawa Koomson were physically assaulted—was orchestrated by thugs aligned with the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“This is a sad and dangerous precedent that is being set by the NDC,” Amfo Sefa claimed. “Over the years, whenever there is a by-election, we in the NPP conduct ourselves democratically.”
However, when journalist Hanson Agyemang reminded him of similar violence during the 2019 Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, Amfo Sefa doubled down with a chilling response.
“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 said.
Amfo Sefa then issued a direct call to NPP supporters, stating:
“We are telling our boys and men: get ready, arm yourselves, and prepare for Akwatia. We will meet there and repeat the same thing that they [the NDC] have done in Ablekuma North.”
Backlash and Concerns Over Electoral Violence
His statement has sparked widespread concern, with many interpreting it as a call to political vigilantism and armed retaliation. The Ablekuma North rerun has already been marred by chaos, with reported assaults on journalists, candidates, and agents, as well as alleged use of pepper spray by Hawa Koomson.
The Electoral Commission (EC) supervised the rerun across 19 polling stations after disputed results from the December 2024 general election left the constituency without a Member of Parliament for over seven months.
Calls for Restraint
Political analysts, civil society organizations, and election observers have condemned the rhetoric and violence, calling on Ghana’s political leaders to de-escalate tensions and uphold the integrity of the democratic process.
Many are demanding that the Ghana Police Service and the National Peace Council intervene swiftly to investigate threats of armed mobilization and ensure that future elections do not descend into violence.
The Electoral Commission has yet to issue a statement on Amfo Sefa’s comments, but public pressure is mounting for action to be taken.
