Awutu Senya West, Ghana — The political tension in Awutu Senya West continues to escalate as supporters of NDC Member of Parliament Gisella Tetteh-Agbotui have allegedly renewed their efforts to vandalize and destroy the campaign materials of Mr. Eugene Arhin, the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for the constituency.
In the early hours of Monday, newly installed billboards of Mr. Eugene Arhin at Yamoah Nkwanta in the Papaase Electoral Area were reported destroyed. This incident is the latest in a series of targeted attacks against Mr. Arhin’s campaign materials, which has sparked outrage and concern among constituents.
In a controversial move back in May this year, Mrs. Tetteh-Agbotui’s supporters were accused of ripping up the sign boards and posters of her main contender. This blatant disregard for electoral laws raised serious concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in the constituency. Multiple eyewitness accounts and reports from local residents confirmed that her supporters were seen destroying Mr. Arhin’s campaign materials in several locations, including Bontrase, Amontrom, and Pobikwaa. These incidents created a tense atmosphere in the constituency, with many expressing fears of potential clashes between the two political factions.
Despite the outcry and the clear violation of electoral norms, it appears that Mrs. Tetteh-Agbotui is not relenting in her aggressive campaign tactics. The destruction of Mr. Arhin’s billboards this morning at Yamoah Nkwanta is a stark reminder of the ongoing hostilities. Local residents awoke to find the newly installed billboards torn down and defaced, further inflaming an already volatile situation.
The recurring nature of these incidents has prompted calls for immediate action from electoral authorities and law enforcement. Many constituents are urging the Electoral Commission to step in and ensure a fair and peaceful campaign environment. The fear of potential clashes between supporters of the two candidates looms large, with the community leaders and local organizations calling for calm and restraint from both sides.
Mr. Eugene Arhin, in a statement, condemned the actions and called for his supporters to remain peaceful and adhere to the law. “We must not allow these provocations to derail our commitment to a peaceful and democratic process. I urge all my supporters to remain calm and let the authorities handle the situation,” he said.
Mrs. Tetteh-Agbotui has yet to comment on the latest allegations, but her silence is being interpreted by many as an implicit endorsement of the actions of her supporters. This ongoing saga in Awutu Senya West is a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Ghana’s democratic process, where political rivalry can sometimes spill over into unlawful and destructive behavior.
As the election date draws closer, the eyes of the nation are on Awutu Senya West. There is hope that the relevant authorities will take decisive steps to restore order and ensure that the electoral process proceeds smoothly, free from intimidation and violence. The people of the constituency deserve a fair and peaceful election, where their voices can be heard without fear of retribution or coercion.