Dormaa Central Constituency in Ghana’s Bono Region is at the center of attention as the December 7, 2024, general elections approach. Once known for its peace and calm, the area is now clouded by tension after comments made by Kweku Agyeman-Manu, the current Member of Parliament and former Health Minister. His remarks about a "shoot-to-kill" policy aimed at controlling election disturbances have left many worried about the safety of the upcoming polls.
Agyeman-Manu, who has served as MP for 16 years, made these comments during an interview on a local radio station, Gift FM. He claimed that the Ghana Police Service would take strict measures to deal with troublemakers. While urging his constituents to avoid conflicts with law enforcement, his words have sparked fear and controversy. Many residents believe these statements could lead to violence and unrest in a region that borders Ghana’s western neighbor, Côte d’Ivoire.
The timing of these remarks is critical. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, and the National Election Security Task Force (NESTF) have been reassuring Ghanaians that the elections will be peaceful and safe. Their security plan aims to ensure order and fairness at the polls. However, Agyeman-Manu’s controversial comments have overshadowed these efforts, leaving Dormaa Central residents on edge.
Agyeman-Manu explained his concerns about potential disruptions, claiming he had heard rumors about plans to incite violence in the constituency. He said he reported these concerns to security agencies, calling for vigilance. He emphasized the need for the police to act swiftly if trouble arises, despite Dormaa Central not being classified as a volatile area.
For many in the constituency, however, these reassurances have done little to ease their fears. Some suspect that armed groups from across the border could be used to cause chaos during the elections. Opponents of the MP believe that such tactics could be an attempt to influence the election results.
Agyeman-Manu’s political career is facing serious challenges this year. After nearly two decades as Dormaa Central’s MP, he is experiencing what some describe as his toughest re-election campaign. Reports of financial mismanagement during his tenure as Health Minister have come back to haunt him.
One major issue is the alleged mismanagement of funds during Ghana’s fight against COVID-19. Audits revealed that the Ministry of Health paid over $120 million for vaccines, but only received about $38 million worth of supplies. The Auditor-General has demanded that the Ministry recover the difference. There were also accusations of inflated costs during the procurement of Sputnik V vaccines, which were bought at $19 per dose instead of $10.
These allegations, coupled with questions about his personal wealth, have dented Agyeman-Manu’s reputation. Critics in Dormaa Central point to a hospital linked to him, Banhart Specialist Hospital in Sunyani-Abesim, as an example of unexplained riches. Meanwhile, local hospitals in Dormaa are in poor condition, with incomplete projects like the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital being a constant reminder of unfulfilled promises.
Residents are also frustrated by the stalled development projects in the constituency. In 2020, President Nana Akufo-Addo and Agyeman-Manu held a ceremony to begin work on the Dormaa Presbyterian Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit, but since then, little progress has been made. Photos of the site, now abandoned, have been shared widely as evidence of neglect.
The controversies surrounding Agyeman-Manu’s tenure have given his political opponents plenty of ammunition. Many believe that his long stay in Parliament, coupled with these allegations of corruption and failed projects, has made him vulnerable in this election. Insiders close to his campaign have admitted that his chances of re-election are uncertain, a first in his career.
Despite these challenges, Agyeman-Manu is pushing forward with his campaign. He has called on his constituents to focus on peace and avoid any confrontations during the election. He has promised to continue his work in Parliament, emphasizing his development goals for Dormaa Central and his alignment with the vision of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
However, many residents feel betrayed. The spotlight on Agyeman-Manu’s record has turned this election into a defining moment for Dormaa Central. Questions about accountability, development, and leadership are dominating discussions. For the people of Dormaa, this election is not just about choosing a representative; it is about demanding better governance and ensuring that promises made are kept.
As the December 7 polls draw closer, the tension in Dormaa Central highlights the stakes of this election. The constituency, once a symbol of peace, now finds itself at a crossroads. Will the voters choose continuity, or will they seek change? Only time will tell.
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