The Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Richard Ahiagbah, has accused the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Sofo Azorka, of making remarks that heightened tensions during the Akwatia by-election.
In an interview with JoyNews after the polls, Mr. Ahiagbah said inflammatory rhetoric on the campaign trail contributed to the violence that disrupted the exercise.
“Practically, you saw that the campaign itself resorted to very inflammatory language. The NDC National Chairman, Sofo Azorka, spoke in a coded way, suggesting that power belongs to the NDC and that they could do whatever they wanted, including seizing and reallocating mining concessions belonging to our candidate,” he stated.
He argued that such comments were deliberately targeted at illegal miners in the constituency, a strategy he described as dangerous.
“That was an appeal to galamseyers, given that illegal mining is widespread in Akwatia. While efforts are being made to streamline and legalize the practice, in its current form it is harmful to society. Yet, the NDC found a way to leverage it politically,” he added.
Mr. Ahiagbah admitted the NPP was disappointed with the outcome of the by-election but said the party has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP) regarding the violence that occurred.
“It was not the result we anticipated given the efforts we put in. A lot happened, and we have since petitioned the IGP about the nature of the violence. Although we have accepted the result, we demand that the necessary actions be taken,” he emphasized.
He further claimed that the involvement of top NDC leaders, including the party’s National Organiser, showed that the opposition mounted an unusual and targeted campaign strategy in Akwatia.
source: myjoyonline
