Akwatia By-Election: 'I’m Not a Coward' – Afenyo-Markin Responds to Alleged Death Threats from NDC’s Azorka

By Joylinda Laryea / 2nd September, 2025

Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has strongly pushed back against what he described as death threats from Chief Sofo Azorka, the National Vice Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), amid rising tensions ahead of the Akwatia by-election.

The heated exchange erupted after Afenyo-Markin made an unannounced visit to the NDC's constituency office in Akwatia on Tuesday, September 2, 2025. The surprise appearance infuriated NDC executives, who accused the New Patriotic Party (NPP) leader of deliberately provoking supporters in a charged political atmosphere.

Chief Azorka, visibly agitated, labeled Afenyo-Markin's visit as “highly disrespectful” and “provocative,” claiming it was part of broader NPP tactics aimed at intimidating NDC supporters.

In response, Afenyo-Markin alleged that Azorka had gone as far as threatening to kill him. He referenced the notorious reputation of the so-called “Azorka Boys,” accusing them of a history of political violence.

“I have heard that the NDC’s Vice Chairman, Chief Sofo Azorka, said that he wants to ‘kill’ me. We know them, the infamous Azorka Boys; all they know is beating people up and killing others,” Afenyo-Markin stated. “But I am not a coward.”

The Minority Leader rallied NPP supporters not to be cowed by threats or intimidation.

“There are foot soldiers on the ground. So, nobody should let the words of Azorka put fear into anybody,” he said. “We do not do politics with fear; it’s all about courage. Our forebearers spent time in jail all for the sake of politics, so don’t let anybody put fear into you.”

The confrontation has escalated tensions in Akwatia, already on edge as the by-election draws near following the passing of NPP MP Ernest Yaw Kumi. Both the NPP and NDC are intensifying their campaigns in what is shaping up to be a closely watched and fiercely contested vote.

Political observers have called for restraint and urged security agencies to maintain order as party loyalists from across the country pour into the constituency.

The Electoral Commission is expected to hold the by-election later this week.