Arresting Azorka Is Necessary to Protect Ghana’s Democracy And The Current Political Tension

The recent statement by Chief Sofo Awudu Azorka, National Vice Chairman of the NDC, during the Akwatia by-election has sparked outrage among citizens, especially members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). His veiled threat that there “would have been a by-election” in the constituency of Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin if the latter “tried anything” cannot be dismissed as mere political talk. It is a reckless and dangerous remark that deserves urgent attention from the security agencies.

This is precisely how political equalisation and justification begin. If nothing is done about Azorka’s comment, it sets a precedent. Tomorrow, when someone from the NPP makes a similar or worse statement, they will point back to this moment to justify their words. That is how political violence grows, step by step, unchecked.

What makes the situation even more troubling is that Azorka is no ordinary party member. He is the Vice Chairman of the ruling NDC, a position of considerable influence. His words carry weight, and Ghanaians know his history. He has been linked to violent altercations during past elections, and he has publicly declared that “fighting is something he likes.” Such a man should not be allowed to issue threats of this nature and walk away without facing the law.

The NDC may feel comfortable today because they are in government, but politics is never permanent. What happens tomorrow if the NPP returns to power and one of its senior figures makes a similar threat? Will the NDC have the moral right to demand accountability then? The selective application of justice only fuels bitterness and retaliation.

Ghana’s peace cannot be sustained if political actors are allowed to incite fear, intimidate opponents, and flirt with violence without consequences. Our institutions must be allowed to work independently, free from political interference. Unfortunately, the growing culture of impunity within both the NPP and NDC shows that certain individuals are protected by their party colours. This is dangerous for our democracy.

We must remind ourselves that conflict knows no political colour. Once it starts, it consumes everyone—NPP, NDC, CPP, and even those with no political affiliations. The failure to punish reckless speech today only nurtures a bigger conflict tomorrow. And when that conflict matures, the cost will be unbearable for all Ghanaians.

For these reasons, the call for the arrest and questioning of Chief Azorka is justified. It is not about partisan politics; it is about safeguarding Ghana’s democracy, enforcing the rule of law, and protecting the peace that we all cherish. No individual, regardless of political status, should be above accountability.

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