Tension rises in Bonwire as Agya Koo’s campaign visit sparks discontent

Residents of Bonwire, Ejisu in the Ashanti Region voiced their disapproval of New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate Kwabena Boateng during a recent campaign visit by Kumawood actor Agya Koo, also known as Kofi Adu. The visit, occurring just days before the upcoming by-election, stirred tensions in the community.

A video circulating on social media captured Agya Koo standing beside a billboard featuring Kwabena Boateng's image, rallying residents to support the NPP candidate, who occupies the second spot on the ballot. However, despite the actor's efforts, the residents expressed their preference for former Ejisu MP Ing. Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, running as an independent candidate listed as number four on the ballot.

As Agya Koo persisted in advocating for Boateng, residents began to voice their dissent more fervently, ultimately booing the actor as more joined in support of Aduomi. Despite his spirited demeanour, Agya Koo was eventually escorted away by security personnel.

The tension in Bonwire reflects broader dynamics leading up to the Ejisu by-election, scheduled for April 30 following the passing of NPP Member of Parliament Dr. John Kumah. Boateng emerged as the NPP candidate after securing 394 votes out of 1033 valid votes cast, defeating eight other contenders.

However, the political landscape is complicated by the absence of participation from the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which is focusing on preparations for the general elections in December. Additionally, the Convention People's Party (CPP) initially opted out of the by-election, although Esther Osei has since been registered as a CPP candidate, prompting the party to seek an injunction against the Electoral Commission (EC) to halt the election.

The CPP's legal action alleges that Osei's candidacy violates party procedures, demanding that only candidates elected by the CPP's Ejisu Constituency Branch Conference and approved by the Central Committee should represent the party in the by-election.

With tensions escalating in Bonwire and legal battles unfolding surrounding candidate eligibility, the Ejisu by-election is poised to be a closely watched event with significant implications for the region's political landscape.