The arrest and remand of Awal Mohammed, an independent parliamentary candidate, over claims of dishonesty and fraud has heightened tensions in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) camp in the Madina constituency in the Greater Accra Region.
The NDC filed an official complaint with the Madina Police, accusing Mohammed of using former President John Mahama’s image on campaign posters to deceive people into believing he is running on the NDC platform.
This action has provoked uproar, with many seeing it as an attempt to influence the party’s supporters.
The situation worsened to the point that violent clashes were narrowly avoided.
The NDC demanded action, which resulted in Mohammed’s detention and subsequent court appearance.
At the Adenta Circuit Court, the NDC’s Madina Constituency Chairman, Secretary, and lawyers pressed the case against Mohammed, who has yet to react to the accusations.
The court rescheduled the hearing for Friday, October 18, 2024, to rule on Mohammed’s bail application.
Incumbent MP Francis Xavier Sosu is being investigated for his involvement in the case.
Critics say that Sosu’s legal clout aided the fast action against Mohammed.
Mohammed’s supporters are concerned that the detention is intended to quiet an opposing candidate ahead of the parliamentary elections.
The Madina constituency is a significant battlefield in the 2024 elections, with NDC and NPP candidates competing furiously for control.
Background to the debate
Francis Xavier Sosu, the current MP, serves on two committees: Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs, as well as Appointments.
His role in the case has prompted concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
The NDC has stated that it protects its party’s image from being misrepresented.
Mohammed’s allies, meanwhile, believe that the NDC and Sosu are using legal tactics to undermine his campaign.
