Salam Mustapha Accuses NDC of Deploying ‘Machomen’ to Intimidate Voters

The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Salam Mustapha, has accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of deploying thugs, commonly referred to as machomen, to the Wenchi Presby electoral area during the ongoing Akwatia by-election.

Speaking to Citi News’ Charles Owusu Kumi on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Mr Mustapha alleged that the presence of the supposed thugs was a calculated move by the NDC to intimidate voters and suppress turnout in what he described as a traditional NPP stronghold.

“This is our stronghold, so you can understand the attempts to suppress votes so that they take advantage of it. I will not allow that. The process is still ongoing, and I can see the security beefing up; that is fair and acceptable,” he said.

The NPP organiser insisted that, contrary to the NDC’s denials, evidence on the ground pointed to the presence of men allegedly brought in to disrupt the voting process.

“You can see NDC machomen behind us. They claimed they didn’t bring machomen, but they have brought them in. They should stop the hypocrisy,” Mustapha added.

Despite his concerns, Mr Mustapha expressed optimism that the security agencies deployed to the constituency would remain vigilant and ensure peace throughout the by-election.

“I’m hoping that the security will be up to the task and be able to hold forth. So far, it’s okay,” he said.

The Akwatia by-election has drawn intense scrutiny as both the NPP and NDC battle fiercely for the seat left vacant following the death of NPP MP Ernest Kumi. The election is widely seen as a litmus test of the political influence of both parties in the Eastern Region.

Allegations of intimidation, vote buying, and heavy deployment of state actors have heightened tensions, prompting civil society and election observers to call for calm and vigilance.

As voting continues, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Akwatia, with both major political parties determined to claim victory in what has become a high-stakes electoral contest.