Police arrest Azorka over alleged assault on ‘Chairman Buga’ 

Chief Sofo Azorka, National Vice Chairman of the NDC, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting NPP’s Alhaji Masawudu Osman, popularly known as Chairman Buga, during the Akwatia by-election.

Police say Azorka confronted Osman, the NPP’s Third National Vice Chairman, on September 2, 2025, sparking tensions between rival supporters until security intervened.

Confirming the arrest, the Ghana Police Service said Azorka has been granted bail but is expected to face formal charges.

“The suspect has been cautioned and released on bail to report to the Regional Command on the said date,” the statement said, adding that he has been directed to appear at the Eastern South Regional Police Headquarters in Kyebi on Tuesday, September 16, at 10 a.m.

The police stressed their commitment to fairness in handling the politically sensitive case.

“We wish to assure the public that thorough investigations will be conducted into the matter.

“The Ghana Police Service remains resolute in maintaining law and order. We entreat all parties and the general public to remain calm as we continue with our investigations and communicate further developments in due course,” the statement added.

The incident has cast a shadow over the Akwatia by-election, highlighting deep-seated challenges in Ghana’s democratic dispensation.

The Akwatia District Police Command, a few days ago, began investigations into an alleged assault on Alhaji Masawudu Osman, Third Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), during the September 2 by-election.

According to police, the alleged assault on the NPP Vice Chairman in Akwatia occurred at the town’s main lorry station in the Vawaso Electoral Area, where tensions erupted between supporters of the two main political parties.

The incident reportedly involved Alhaji Masawudu and members of Chief Sofo Azorka’s escort, the National Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In its update, the police confirmed that the alleged assault on the NPP Vice Chairman was reported by Alhaji Masawudu, who stated that the altercation happened while he was engaging the media near the Akwatia Zongo area, where he had been deployed to monitor the polls. He was issued a police medical form for treatment, with instructions to return the endorsed form to aid further investigations.

The Eastern South Regional Police Command has since taken over the matter, assuring the public of a thorough investigation. A statement signed by DSP David Fianko Okyere of the Regional Public Affairs Unit stressed that the police were committed to ensuring justice.