The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has no moral authority to petition the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for the arrest of National Democratic Congress (NDC) Vice Chairman, Chief Sofo Azorka.
This is the strong position taken by the Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technologies and Innovations, Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu, following a petition submitted by the NPP after its Third Vice Chairman, Alhaji Osman Masawudu, was allegedly assaulted during the Akwatia by-election.
While the Deputy Minister was quick to condemn the violence that unfolded, he argued that the NPP’s history of politically related violence and its selective outrage disqualifies it from seeking redress.
“Yesterday, I saw the petition by the NPP to the IGP. It is good to do that, but when issues of assault happened yesterday, they were silent, and today something has happened to them, and now they are crying to people to come to their aid
Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu, Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technologies and Innovations
Hon. Sukparu’s remarks underscore a deep-seated partisan divide, where past grievances continue to shape the political discourse in Ghana. He accused the NPP of what he described as a severe case of hypocrisy, noting that the party’s sudden concern for political violence is opportunistic and inconsistent with its actions when it was in power.
Hon. Sukparu did not hesitate to draw a stark contrast between the NPP’s current position and its past record, as he explained that true political camaraderie demands that parties always stand together against violence, regardless of who the victim is.
He lamented that the NPP, during its tenure, allegedly failed to demonstrate this. The Deputy Minister recalled that the NPP was silent on matters of assault and even accused ordinary citizens and judges of wrongdoing when they appeared not to align with their political interests.
He said they were “assaulting members of the NDC and beating judges,” creating an atmosphere of impunity. “This is the hypocrisy I am talking about,” he accused, maintaining that the party’s current appeal for police action is hollow at best.
“Inasmuch as I condemn the attack by Chief Sofo and his boys, I think that this petition should not come from the NPP. They do not have the moral right to petition any police in this country to arrest when it comes to matters of election (violence)”
Hon. Mohammed Adams Sukparu, Deputy Minister for Communication, Digital Technologies and Innovations
His argument implied that for the rule of law to be truly effective, all political actors must demonstrate a consistent commitment to it, not just when they are the victims.
Background and Police Investigation
The controversy stems from an alleged assault that occurred at the Akwatia Lorry Station in the Vawaso Electoral Area, where tensions flared during the by-election.
According to police reports, a confrontation broke out between Alhaji Masawudu and the escort of the NDC’s Vice Chairman, Chief Sofo Azorka. Alhaji Masawudu, who was in the area to monitor the polls, has since reported the incident to the Akwatia District Police Command.
The police have confirmed that they have provided the NPP Third Vice Chairman with a medical form to seek treatment, which is to be returned to aid in their ongoing investigations.
The case has been referred to the Eastern South Regional Police Command for continuation of the probe. The police assured that they are committed to ensuring a thorough investigation into the matter, irrespective of political affiliations.
The incident and the ensuing political blame game from figures like Hon. Sukparu highlights the persistent issue of political violence in Ghana and the challenges of ensuring a fair and impartial process.
“Whatever the provocation, the scuffle should never have happened – this is about democracy,” the Deputy Minister said – his final words underscoring the need for all political actors to uphold democratic values at all times.
As Ghana’s democracy evolves, the need for a consistent commitment to peace and the rule of law has never been more critical. The ongoing police probe, which is operating independently of the political rhetoric, is a crucial test of the nation’s ability to ensure justice prevails over partisan interests.
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