Members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Nsawam-Adoagyiri Constituency in the Eastern Region have mounted a strong defence of their Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Frank Annoh-Dompreh, stressing their lawmaker is not part of any chieftaincy disputes in the area.
This followed growing allegations linking the MP to the recent disturbances in Adoagyiri stemming from an unresolved chieftaincy dispute.
Speaking at a news conference yesterday, the Nsawam NPP Communication Directorate, Nana Akomea, condemned what he described as a “disgraceful political scheme” aimed at tarnishing the MP’s image.
He vehemently refuted claims that Mr. Annoh-Dompreh played any role in inciting chaos in the area.
Background
It would be recalled that the recent unrest in Adoagyiri was triggered by the death of 35-year-old motorbike rider, Masawudu Issaka, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a clash between rival youth groups on May 20.
His death on May 22 sparked violent retaliation, with agitated youth from the Zongo community blocking roads, burning tyres, and vandalizing properties.
Following the disturbance, the Minority Chief Whip, Annoh-Dompreh swiftly visited the community, consoled the bereaved family and pledged financial and legal support.
He called for calm and urged residents to allow the law to take its course while promising to raise the matter in Parliament.
Despite this gesture, his critics have accused him of fueling the chaos behind the scenes—an allegation that has now drawn the ire of his local party officials.
NPP Fires Rev. Mama Santos
Central to yesterday’s news conference was a sharp rebuke of one Reverend Abena Asantewaa, also known as “Mama Santos,” who in a recent video accused Mr Annoh-Dompreh of orchestrating the unrest and abandoning victims of the violence.
The NPP described her allegations as “baseless, irresponsible, and politically motivated,” questioning her credibility and motives.
“We woke up to the shock of seeing an old woman, claiming to be a reverend minister, spewing untruths and insults on social media,” a party spokesperson stated.
According to the NPP, Rev. Santos falsely claimed the MP failed to visit or support affected families.
“We have picture evidence, receipts, and audio recordings that show Hon. Annoh-Dompreh visited all the victims, settled hospital bills, cleared debts, and even provided business startup funds,” they said.
They also challenged her suggestion that the MP had a hand in the arrest of a young man known as Kojo, who is currently on remand.
“Is our MP a police officer now?” the spokesperson queried.
“The Ghana Police Service, not Annoh-Dompreh, made the arrest,” he added.
The party went further, demanding that the Ghana Police Service invite Rev. Santos for questioning since she claimed to know the individuals who brandished weapons during the disturbances.
‘Chieftaincy Is Not Annoh-Dompreh’s Domain’
The NPP also dismissed claims that Annoh-Dompreh is interfering in the long-standing Adoagyiri chieftaincy dispute, insisting the MP has stayed neutral and has no involvement in traditional leadership matters.
“We want to make it categorically clear: Hon. Annoh-Dompreh is not a kingmaker. He is focused on his constitutional mandate as a legislator and development agent—not on chieftaincy issues,” the statement read.
They also pointed to the MP’s track record in delivering developmental projects in the constituency, citing drainage improvements, roads, scholarships, health facilities, and sports infrastructure.
A Broader Political Agenda
The Nsawam NPP accused the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) of orchestrating the attacks through surrogates like Rev. Santos, alleging that her status as an NPP delegate in Okaikoi North did not give her the right to meddle in Nsawam-Adoagyiri affairs.
“We suspect this woman has been bribed or manipulated by elements within the NDC to destabilize our constituency and defame our MP,” they charged.
“This is part of a broader campaign of disinformation and distraction.”
The NPP called on the NDC to focus instead on delivering on their policy promises such as the 24-hour economy, affordable cement, and reduction in data costs, instead of engaging in “cheap propaganda.”
The Call for Peace and Accountability
As calm gradually returns to Adoagyiri, the Nsawam NPP is urging the public to remain vigilant against politically motivated attacks and misinformation.
They insist the community must rally behind Annoh-Dompreh’s leadership and allow the Police and traditional authorities to resolve the underlying tensions lawfully.
“The old woman, if she has any sense of dignity, should render an unqualified apology to our MP and the good people of Nsawam-Adoagyiri,” the party concluded.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Regional Police Command has confirmed ongoing investigations into the recent violence, with several suspects being pursued in connection with both the fatal assault and subsequent reprisal attacks.
