3 weeks ago
Cynthia Mamle Morrison, current MP for Agona West and now an independent candidate, has urgently called for a police investigation into an alleged assassination attempt on her life over the weekend. Appearing on the 3FM Sunrise Morning Show, Morrison implored authorities to expedite the case, expressing a desire for a resolution "as early as today, if possible." This incident has added fuel to an already tense political climate, as her independent candidacy following her loss in the NPP primary has stirred divisions within Agona West.
The tensions between supporters of Morrison and those of Chris Arthur, the NPP candidate, reached a boiling point on Sunday evening, resulting in a confrontation that left one person injured by gunfire. Morrison’s decision to break from the party and run as an independent has exacerbated these rivalries, with factions clashing over party loyalties and candidate support. The unrest has not only impacted local relations but has also sparked new controversies in Parliament, intensifying the stakes as Ghana nears its next election cycle.
The situation took another turn on October 17 when Speaker Alban Bagbin declared Morrison's seat, among three others, vacant. Bagbin’s decision came in response to the MPs' choices to run under different political affiliations, temporarily shifting the National Democratic Congress (NDC) into a majority position in Parliament. However, this was short-lived; on October 18, the Supreme Court overturned Bagbin's declaration, restoring the seats to the MPs and reversing the NDC's brief majority. The ruling has heightened the political tension within the parliamentary environment, eventually leading to Parliament's indefinite adjournment on October 22 as emotions continue to run high.
Meanwhile, police have reassured the public of their commitment to a thorough investigation into the assassination attempt claims. However, Agona West’s NPP Chairman, Gibril Tanko, has alleged that Morrison’s supporters may have been the aggressors, attempting to attack Chris Arthur. This claim has further inflamed the already tense atmosphere within Agona West, casting a shadow over both candidates' campaigns as accusations continue to fly from both sides.
The unfolding events in Agona West underscore the deepening political divides in Ghana, as tensions and rivalry increasingly threaten public safety and political stability. The outcome of the police investigation will be critical, as it could either ease tensions or escalate them further, impacting Morrison’s independent campaign. Additionally, the case sheds light on the complexities and challenges that independent candidates face in Ghana’s polarized political landscape, where party allegiance remains a central and contentious issue.
Source:3News
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