In a surprising twist ahead of Ghana’s parliamentary elections, independent candidate Karl Mark Arhin has withdrawn from the Amenfi Central race to endorse Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate.

Arhin made the announcement at a rally in Kyeikrom, where he was joined by NDC national chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah. Despite his name remaining on the ballot, Arhin urged voters to ignore it.

“Today, I declare I am no longer part of the race. If you see my picture on the ballot, ignore it. All of us are now voting for Joana Gyan Cudjoe and John Mahama,” he told NDC supporters.

The NDC leadership explained that Arhin’s initial decision to run as an independent candidate was part of a strategy to safeguard the party’s chances in the constituency. Legal challenges had threatened Joana Gyan Cudjoe’s candidacy, prompting the party to position Arhin as a backup option.

At the rally, Asiedu Nketiah defended the move, describing it as a tactical decision to counter delays allegedly instigated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

“Our national executives decided to support Dr Karl Mark Arhin’s independent candidacy due to the prolonged court processes. We believed the NPP was behind the delays, thinking that without Joana Gyan Cudjoe, we wouldn’t have a candidate in the constituency, giving them an easy win for the first time since 1992,” he said.

With the legal issues resolved in Cudjoe’s favour, Arhin’s withdrawal strengthens the NDC’s position in the constituency.

“Karl Arhin has not committed any wrongdoing. His actions were in support of the party, and we are grateful for his endorsement of Joana Gyan Cudjoe,” Asiedu Nketiah added.

The development is seen as a significant boost for the NDC as the party seeks to maintain its dominance in Amenfi Central.

Source:TheDotNews