Former Tourism Minister and ex-MP for Sekondi, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, has condemned the assault on the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Third Vice Chairman, Alhaji Osman Masawudu, allegedly carried out by supporters of the National Democratic Congress’s (NDC) Vice Chairman, Chief Sofo Azorka.

Speaking on Peace FM, Mr Mercer described the incident as shameful and unacceptable in Ghana’s democratic space.

The clash occurred on Tuesday at the Akwatia Lorry Station in the Vawaso Electoral Area during the by-election.

According to Alhaji Masawudu, the altercation broke out while he was addressing the media near the Akwatia Zongo area, where he had been assigned to monitor the polls.

He claimed that Chief Azorka’s escorts confronted and physically attacked him without provocation.

Mr Mercer commended Alhaji Masawudu for the restraint he exhibited despite the provocation, noting that his composure helped prevent the situation from escalating.

“I was honestly surprised at the level of maturity and calm shown by our Vice Chairman under such circumstances,” he said. “He conducted himself in a manner that reflects the discipline of our party, and I commend him highly for that.”

The Eastern South Regional Police Command, in a statement issued on Thursday, September 4, confirmed that Alhaji Masawudu had been issued a police medical form to seek treatment at a hospital, and that the endorsed form would be returned to aid ongoing investigations.

Mr Mercer urged the police to pursue the matter diligently to ensure accountability, stressing that “such violent conduct must never be allowed to define our politics.”