Disturbing reports filtering in indicates that the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) is plotting to incite violence during the Assin North by-election to ensure that its embattled candidate, James Gyakye Quayson, recaptures the parliamentary seat at all cost.
In pursuit of NDC’s diabolical plan, it is learnt that the National Organiser of the main opposition party, Joseph Yamin and Ashanti Regional Vice Chairman of the party, Captain John Kwame Jabari (Rtd), have held a series of meetings with key members of the Eagle forces, an Obuasi-based NDC vigilante group, at the group’s office in Tutuka.
The purpose of the meeting, according to information gathered, is to devise means to effectively deploy armed members of the group to key polling stations and electoral areas within the constituency ahead of, and on, 27th June 2023.
The upcoming Assin North by-election on 27th June, 2023, is a two-horse race between the NPP’s Charles Opoku and NDC’s James Quayson.
It has become necessary after the Supreme Court annulled the 2020 election that saw James Gyakye Quayson elected as MP for Assin North over breach of the provisions of the constitution with regard to dual citizenship.
In an intercepted WhatsApp audio recording, the commander of the vigilante group, Yahuza Fuseini, is heard, rallying the support of the group to respond to demands of the Party national leadership for active participation of members of the Eagle forces in ongoing plans to secure a win for the Party.
He is also heard promising that all who heed the call would be generously rewarded should the NDC win the 2024 general election.
In what is expected to be a fierce battle between the two opposing political parties, concerns have been raised 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.
Meanwhile, State Security and law enforcement agencies continue to provide assurances that the impending election would be devoid of violence and casualties.
However, schemes by the NDC to unleash mayhem during the impending Assin North by-election make mockery of efforts made thus far to correct the ills in the country’s electoral system and consolidate its budding democracy.
It may also casts doubt on the assurance provided by State security and law enforcement agencies that the elections would be peaceful and devoid of casualties.
NPP Sure of Victory
The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed optimism of winning the Assin North by-election despite the alleged violence plot by the opposition NDC.
Speaking at a mammoth rally yesterday in Assin Breku to climax its campaign in the constituency. President Nana Akufo-Addo and various speakers of the governing party were hopeful the party will win the 27th June, 2023 by-election and bring development to the constituency.
“2020 you voted for me as president, I won 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.
“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.
“Please vote for Charles so I can work with him 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 developments not legals 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”, President Akufo-Addo stated
Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia urged residents of Assin North to vote for a candidate who will have access to government machinery for the development of the area.
Addressing residents of Assin Kushea during a campaign tour earlier, Dr. Bawumia said NPP’s candidate Charles Opoku is the only one who will get access to government machinery hence the residents should elect him as their representative in Parliament in the upcoming by election.
“Look at the many policies and innovative programmes initiated by the NPP government since assuming power Free SHS, mobile money interoperability, talk of Agenda 111 Assin North has one project which is ongoing. We are bringing more new innovations. We have built a road on the Assin Kushea road, which is helping residents. What has the NDC MP you elected done for you? The work done here in Assin North by the NPP government is far more than was done by the NDC government.
“So you the people of Assin North need someone you can send to go and see President Akufo-Addo or Vice President Bawumia for your developmental projects Will the NDC candidate see his way through to President Akufo-Addo’s office or my office? That is why you should elect Charles Opoku so that he could easily facilitate projects for you the people of Assin Kushea and Assin North in general, Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia added.
The General Security of the NPP Justin Kodua at the final rally in Assin Breku was optimistic “the NPP will recapture the Assin North seat, this is because the voters have found out that their bets with NPP have yielded better development outcomes. Believe it!” he said.
He added that “We are delivering on our development mandate in Assin North. Delivered good roads, building two major hospitals; completed a Polyclinic; expanding market blocks, school blocks and dormitories, etc.”
Lawyer Kodua said the people of Assin North deserves a development oriented member of Parliament and Charles Opoku their candidate has through his Akosua Baako Foundation embarked on numerous social projects and interventions and is the best person to represent them in parliament.
