Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate for Abura Asebu-Kwamankese, has accused the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) of being responsible for the recent instances of electoral violence in Ghana. Speaking during a debate on the “Point of View” on Channel One TV on Wednesday, Kwakye Ofosu responded to allegations that the NDC had engaged in violent activities. He argued that the NPP government is the only administration under which people have been killed during elections.
Kwakye Ofosu asserted that under the NPP, Ghana had witnessed unprecedented electoral violence, particularly citing the deaths of eight individuals in the 2020 general elections. According to him, these deaths were the result of actions by “thugs and security operatives” aligned with the ruling party. He pointed out that no other government in recent history has presided over such a record of violence. “In more recent history, the only government under whom people have died in elections is the NPP. Eight people were killed. Gunned down by thugs and security operatives,” he said.
The NDC Parliamentary Candidate also referred to the infamous Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election incident, which he described as a “terrorist attack.” The Ayawaso West Wuogon incident, which occurred in January 2019, involved armed men storming polling stations, leading to several injuries and creating widespread fear and concern about the state of political violence in Ghana. The incident sparked national and international outrage, prompting calls for investigations and reforms to ensure the safety and security of electoral processes in the country. Kwakye Ofosu used this example to further emphasize his point that the NPP has a track record of fostering an environment where political violence thrives.
Furthermore, Kwakye Ofosu dismissed the idea that the NDC had any comparable record of violence. He argued that the opposition party had always stood for peace and democratic values, even in the face of provocation. “The NDC has no such record. We all saw the Ayawaso West Wuogon terrorist attack. That is what I call it,” he stated, underscoring his belief that the NPP, not the NDC, should be held accountable for recent violent incidents.
He continued by stressing that the evidence is clear and compelling when assessing the record of electoral violence in Ghana. According to Kwakye Ofosu, the NPP’s history of violence cannot be denied or debated. “…So if we were to speak about a record of violence, the NPP carries the can without any debate,” he added, reiterating his stance that the ruling party bears full responsibility for the atmosphere of fear and insecurity that has surrounded recent elections.
Kwakye Ofosu’s comments come at a time when Ghana is gearing up for another election cycle, with tensions already running high between the two main political parties. The issue of electoral violence has become a critical concern for many Ghanaians, with various stakeholders calling for measures to prevent any repeat of the events that marred the 2020 elections. Civil society organizations, religious leaders, and international bodies have all urged political parties to commit to peaceful conduct and to respect the democratic process.
In his remarks, Kwakye Ofosu also criticized the NPP for what he described as a deliberate attempt to create a climate of fear and intimidation ahead of the upcoming elections. He argued that such tactics were intended to suppress voter turnout and undermine the democratic process. He called on the government to take concrete steps to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful election, including holding accountable those responsible for the violence in previous elections.
The NDC Parliamentary Candidate urged the Electoral Commission, security agencies, and other relevant stakeholders to remain impartial and committed to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. He emphasized that the safety and security of voters, candidates, and electoral officers must be guaranteed to prevent a repeat of past incidents. He also appealed to international observers and the Ghanaian public to be vigilant and to speak out against any attempts to subvert the democratic process through violence or intimidation.
In response to Kwakye Ofosu’s comments, some NPP representatives have denied any involvement in electoral violence, arguing that the party remains committed to peaceful elections. They accused the NDC of attempting to smear the ruling party with unsubstantiated claims and called on the opposition to focus on presenting their policies to the electorate rather than resorting to what they termed “fear-mongering.”
The debate over electoral violence in Ghana highlights the growing tension between the two major political parties as the country approaches another crucial election period. With concerns about security, transparency, and fairness at the forefront, it remains to be seen how these issues will play out in the coming months. Both parties are expected to intensify their campaigns, with the NDC promising a different approach to governance and the NPP defending its record and arguing for continuity.
Kwakye Ofosu’s remarks underscore a broader concern within Ghanaian society about the future of the country’s democracy. As political parties continue to trade accusations, the demand for accountability, peace, and security in the electoral process remains a central issue for many citizens and stakeholders. The upcoming elections will be a significant test of Ghana’s democratic resilience and its commitment to free and fair elections.
