As political tensions continue to rise following the Akwatia by-election, investigative journalist and political commentator Manasseh Azure Awuni has strongly called out the National Democratic Congress (NDC) for failing to publicly address the controversial actions of its National Vice Chairman, Sofo Azorka.
Awuni stressed that an NDC apology is necessary to protect the party’s credibility and long-term political prospects.
Awuni expressed his disappointment after watching videos of Azorka’s conduct during the by-election, describing the behavior as deeply inappropriate and damaging to Ghana’s democratic image.
He noted that had Azorka been a member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), the police would likely have taken immediate action.
“Despite his apparent immunity (which both parties enjoy in government), however, the NDC ought to have apologised and dissociated itself from the behaviour of its national executive. Alternatively, the party could have quietly asked him to apologise. (I’m yet to see any apology from him or the party).”
Manasseh Azure Awuni
Awuni recognized the NDC’s success in the Akwatia by-election but cautioned the party not to become complacent.
He emphasized that a current victory does not guarantee future success, warning that unchecked arrogance and poor leadership practices could quickly turn today’s gains into tomorrow’s setbacks.
He stressed that the decisions and actions taken now will play a decisive role in shaping the party’s chances in future elections.
Awuni compared the NDC’s current position of strength to the NPP’s earlier dominance, pointing out that the opposition party’s current struggles are the result of arrogance and disregard for public sentiment when it held power.
He explained that political goodwill is a fragile commodity that can be easily eroded by misconduct and abuse of power.
Actions like Azorka’s, he said, gradually diminish public trust and alienate potential supporters.
“With time, your party will find itself in the position the NPP finds itself today if you don’t deal with the excesses. What the party’s leaders do will either attract or repel potential supporters.”
Manasseh Azure Awuni
Awuni Urges NDC To Avoid NPP’s Mistakes
Manasseh Awuni further urged the NDC to carefully study and learn from the mistakes made by the NPP to prevent suffering a similar political collapse in the future.
He emphasized that unchecked political arrogance often blinds leaders to the reality on the ground, making them oblivious to the growing discontent among citizens and the warning signs of impending defeat.
“A drunken man doesn’t often realise he is drunk until he is sober. That’s what the intoxication of political power does. But some people will point it out to you before you are too drunk to mend your ways.”
Manasseh Azure Awuni
He further advised the NDC to listen to constructive criticism rather than resorting to hostility towards dissenting voices. Ignoring criticism, he warned, would only accelerate the party’s downfall.
“You can choose to listen and act or insult and attack them the same way the NPP did, only to lose power and turn around to recite the same concerns for which they abused others.”
Manasseh Azure Awuni
The journalist stressed that it is far better for the NDC to act now and correct its course than to wait until the damage becomes irreversible.
He highlighted the importance of humility, accountability, and internal discipline as key factors for long-term political success.
“The NDC must learn. And be different. Your opponent died by stumbling over a stone. Don’t run to his funeral with your eyes closed.”
Manasseh Azure Awuni
Awuni’s call for an NDC apology serves as both a warning and a roadmap for the party as it navigates its future.
While the Akwatia by-election win has strengthened the NDC’s political position in the short term, the journalist reminded party leaders that their actions today will determine their fate in the next general election.
If the party fails to address internal excesses and public concerns, it risks following the same path of decline currently experienced by the NPP.
According to Awuni, the time to act is now, before political arrogance takes root and erodes the very goodwill that brought the NDC to power.
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