Dennis Miracles Aboagye, aide to former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has launched a scathing attack on the National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Chief Sofo Azorka, condemning his role in the disturbances that marred the Akwatia by-election.
The by-election, held on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, was a scene of heightened tension at several moments, one of such particularly triggered by an unannounced visit from Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin to the NDC’s party office. The visit escalated into heated exchanges, with Azorka at the center of the controversy.
Chief Azorka had described the Minority Leader’s visit as “highly disrespectful” and “provocative,” accusing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) of attempting to intimidate NDC supporters. However, Mr. Aboagye placed the blame for the chaos squarely on the NDC executive, asserting that such behaviour was a disgrace to Ghana’s democratic values.
He recounted a specific incident he witnessed and did not hold back in his criticism, expressing deep concern over the lack of respect for law enforcement officials during the scuffle.
“People seem to think that our police are only there to separate people when they are fighting, so they are no longer afraid of them. I saw somebody throwing a punch over the head of a policeman to hit another person.
Chief Sofo Azorka, NDC National Vice Chairman
“That person should have been taken immediately so that others standing by would know that if you want to see the whole day, you have to behave”
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Aide to Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Such blatant disregard for the police, he argued, must always be met with swift action to deter similar acts in the future. The former Vice President’s aide stressed that the country’s democracy had no room for violence and urged political leaders to set a better example.
The most severe condemnation, however, was reserved for Chief Sofo Azorka.
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“The biggest shame of yesterday goes to Sofo Azorka. Wherever he is this morning, he should bow his head in shame. He should be ashamed of himself, his attitude, and the character he has built for himself, and realise that this is 2025″
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Aide to Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
Mr. Aboagye’s comments highlight a recurring concern about the role of certain political figures in fanning the flames of electoral violence.
Dennis Miracles Aboagye, Aide to Former Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
“Violence has no place in our democracy, and the same has no room in our elections. But for Azorka, I do not think we would have had a single complaint of anything,” he said, maintaining that the Akwatia disturbances could have been avoided entirely had it not been for the conduct of the NDC National Vice Chairman.
Afenyo-Markin Stands Firm
Amidst the chaos, Minority Leader Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin has remained unyielding, brushing off what he alleges are threats from Chief Sofo Azorka.
He insisted that he would not be intimidated by the NDC executive, standing firm in the aftermath of the confrontation that erupted following his visit to the NDC’s party office. Hon. Afenyo-Markin reiterated that his actions were not intended to provoke, but to carry out his duties as a political leader.
The Minority Leader further alleged that Azorka went as far as threatening to kill him, a claim he said was part of a broader pattern of intimidation by the NDC. “We know them – the infamous Azorka Boys; all they know is beating people up and killing others. This is not his first time threatening people. But I am not a coward,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
He called on NPP supporters to remain resolute and courageous, rejecting a brand of politics driven by fear. Hon. Afenyo-Markin drew on the history of Ghana’s political struggle to encourage his supporters.
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader
“There are foot soldiers on the ground, so nobody should let the words of Azorka frighten them. We do not do politics with fear; it’s about courage. Our forebearers spent time in jail for politics, so don’t let anybody intimidate you”
Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Minority Leader
Despite its relative success, the by-election saga between Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin and Chief Sofo Azorka in Akwatia brought to the forefront the deep-seated issues of political tension and the constant need for decorum and respect among political actors.
As Ghana and Akwatia continue their democratic journey under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama and the new NDC MP-elect Bernard Bediako, respectively, the call for peace and integrity in elections is more pressing than ever.
