SIMCEL ONLINE

Dennis Amfo Sefa, the NPP parliamentary candidate for Tema West, raised alarm with his remarks following the violence that disrupted the Ablekuma North by‑election.

In an interview on Channel One News on July 11, 2025, Amfo Sefa described the events as a “sad and dangerous precedent” allegedly set by the NDC to influence electoral outcomes.

Pressed on whether such aggression should be accepted, he replied bluntly:

“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 strongly urged NPP supporters to prepare, warning them:

“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”

📌 Details of Ablekuma North chaos
On July 11 at St. Peter’s Methodist Church polling station, unidentified armed men violently disrupted voting, assaulting NPP figures like Nana Akua Afriyie and ex‑Minister Hawa Koomson. This incident has amplified worries over mounting political violence—reports indicate a 30% surge in politically motivated attacks compared to previous elections.

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Implications and concerns

• Call to arms: Amfo Sefa’s comments are seen as a direct endorsement of armed mobilization, contradicting democratic norms.
• Risk of escalation: Such rhetoric could provoke retaliation, heightening tensions in upcoming polls like the Akwatia by‑election.
• Public safety: With reported spikes in political violence, these developments challenge Ghana’s electoral integrity and citizens’ safety.

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What to watch next

• Electoral Commission and security response: Will authorities ensure peaceful voting in Akwatia?
• Political reaction: Opposition from civil society, NDC, and security experts is likely given the severity of these threats.
• NPP’s official stance: How the party leadership addresses or clarifies Amfo Sefa’s remarks will be pivotal.

Amfo Sefa’s call to “arm up” ahead of the Akwatia by‑election marks an alarming shift in political discourse, as Ghana grapples with a troubling rise in election‑period violence.