Tension as Annoh-Dompreh kept hostage during Nsawam-Adoagyiri MCE confirmation

Tensions flared at the Nsawam-Adoagyiri Municipal Assembly as Member of Parliament Frank Annoh-Dompreh was effectively held hostage following a heated confirmation process for the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) nominee.

The chaos erupted after the MP attempted to assert his role as a polling agent during the voting process but was met with strong resistance from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Regional executives led by Dr Mark Oliver Kevor.

Prior to the polls, reports indicated that Annoh-Dompreh had vowed to block the confirmation of Philibert Fumey Selorm, the MCE nominee, who had previously challenged him in the 2024 parliamentary elections—a contest that ended up in court.

As tensions escalated inside the assembly hall, clashes broke out between supporters of the nominee and the MP, with the situation remaining volatile until the final vote was cast.

Following the voting, police officers formed a security cordon around the counting center where Electoral Commission officials tallied the ballots. The nominee secured confirmation with 29 out of 38 votes.

However, the announcement further enraged NDC supporters, who demanded that Annoh-Dompreh be released to them, shouting threats of retaliation. Police swiftly intervened, escorting the MP to the municipal NADMO office under heavy security as angry protesters gave chase.

The incident comes just weeks after a Koforidua High Court dismissed an election petition challenging Annoh-Dompreh’s 2024 parliamentary victory. The case, which sought to nullify his win, was struck out following a legal application filed by Gary Nimako Marfo, the New Patriotic Party’s Director of Legal Affairs.

The standoff highlights deepening political divisions in the constituency, raising concerns over future governance and security in the area.