'We don't need cutlasses, all we need is hand sanitiser!' – Osman Ayariga to NPP

The Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Osman Ayariga, has responded to comments made by the National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), who reportedly declared that his team would storm Akwatia with “machetes and cutlasses.”

Speaking at the General Meeting of the University of Ghana chapter of the Tertiary Education Institutions Network (UG-TEIN) on Friday, July 18, 2025, Ayariga criticised the NPP’s posture, describing it as unnecessary and provocative.

“I heard the National Youth Organiser two or three days ago saying they will come to Akwatia with cutlasses,” Ayariga said.

“I said we don’t need cutlasses to clear the air. All we need is hand sanitiser, because it’s a virus. The whole party is a virus.”

He suggested that the NDC’s presence alone would be enough to deter any attempts at intimidation.

“Our presence there alone will make them run. So they can come with their cutlasses, we’ll come with our ten fingers and ten toes.”

Ayariga added that any attempt at aggression would be met with a strong response.

“They’ll flee with their cutlasses and machetes. They’ve seen it before,” he stated.

The event was part of a broader effort to mobilise and energise student members of the Tertiary Education Institutions Network in preparation for upcoming national campaign activities.

AS/MA

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