The Akwatia by-election on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, was briefly marred by a heated altercation between two national executives of the country’s leading political parties.
Reporters confirmed that the clash involved the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Third National Vice Chairman, Osman Masawudu, and the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) First National Vice Chairman, Awudu Sofo Azorka.
According to eyewitness accounts, the incident began when Mr. Masawudu mentioned Mr. Azorka’s name while granting an interview at the polling station. Mr. Azorka, who was nearby, confronted him and warned against repeatedly mentioning his name.
What initially appeared to be a lighthearted exchange quickly escalated into an attack by Chairman Azorka, with both party executives trading words. Supporters who accompanied the two leaders soon got involved, heightening the tension.
The situation nearly degenerated into a physical fight before police personnel stationed at the polling centre swiftly intervened, separating the two sides and restoring calm.
Despite the incident, voting has continued at the polling station under tight security as more than 50,000 registered voters in Akwatia cast their ballots in the hotly contested by-election.