Plot by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to cause mayhem, and disrupt the Assin North by-election slated for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 27 has been exposed.
In a leaked audio, linked to a plot allegedly spearheaded by the NDC national organiser, Joseph Yamin, Ashanti Regional Vice-Chariman, Captain John Kwame Jabari (Rtd.) and Eagle Force, an Obuasi based NDC vigilante group, the party appears to have discussed strategies to cause mayhem at the election.
In the audio, which allegedly emanated from a meeting at the Tutuka office of the NDC in the Obuasi West constituency, the party could be heard discussing how to deploy thugs to cause mayhem on innocent voters and to instil fear in voters, particularly in New Patriotic Party(NPP) strongholds.
The Daily Statesman sources have confirmed that the Tutuka meeting is not the only meeting held by the NDC national officers and the vigilante group on how to go about their nefarious activities.
According to our sources, Yamin and Captain Jabari (Rtd.) have held a series of diabolic meetings with key members of the Obuasi-based NDC vigilante group.
Reports further reveal that Yahuza Fusseini, commander of the vigilante group, has promised that all who heed the call would be generously rewarded should the NDC win the 2024 general elections, causing widespread concern among residents and political observers. It has also raised concerns over the likelihood of a replication of the events that characterised the January 31, 2019, Ayawaso West Wuogon by-election, which remains a blot on the democratic history of Ghana.
However, state security and law enforcement agencies continue to provide assurances that the impending election would be devoid of violence and casualties.
EC Assurance
Meanwhile, the Electoral Commission (EC) also assured the constituents of Assin North of its readiness to ensure a free, fair, peaceful and transparent by-election. The Commission has vowed to work closely with security agencies to maintain law and order during the voting process, and has called on all political parties to cooperate in creating a safe and conducive environment for voters.
It has also assured all stakeholders that it is adequately prepared to conduct the poll as mandated.
A total of 41,168 registered voters are expected to cast their votes in 99 polling stations across the Constituency.
Litigation-free MP
Courting support for NPP’s candidate, Charles Opoku, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has urged the constituents to vote for a Member of Parliament who would have the peace of mind to do his work effectively, and not one who would be embroiled in unending court cases.
Speaking at a rally yesterday, the President recalled that in 2020 the people of Assin North voted for him but “due to skirt and blouse , the MP went to the other side. Since then it has been one court case or the other. It is the reason why you need to bring the NPP back for the seat”.
He added that: “Former President [Mahama] keeps accusing our courts of doing politics. When it suits them, we should all accept it but when it goes against them it is politics, why must it be so?”
He called on the people to vote for Charles Opoku since he is the person he [the president] can work with to “bring you more developments in Assin North.”
“Vote for Charles Opoku since he has you at heart. He is ready to serve you. Not somebody who will waste the time in court.
“Please don’t make a mistake by voting for Gyakye Quayson again. You need development not legal battles. Let’s bring NPP back with Charles Opoku for growth and development in Assin North. Nobody is intimidating anybody, the law is taking its place. Charles Opoku is number 1, and let’s remember to vote for him because we stand for truth,” he told the constituents.
Ready for victory
Relatedly, the General Secretary of the NPP, Justin Frimpong Kodua, has expressed the party’s determination to recapture the seat from the NDC.
He believes victory beckons as a result of the party’s several engagements with constituents and the numerous projects executed by the Akufo-Addo administration in the area.
Addressing party delegates at a rally in Assin Breku, Mr Frimpong Kodua expressed optimism that the “voters have found out that their bets with NPP have yielded better development outcomes.”
He added the “NPP is delivering on its development mandate in Assin North. We delivering good roads, building two major hospitals; completed a Polyclinic; expanding market blocks, school blocks and dormitories”.