Media Personality Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah and Six Others Arrested Over NPP Election Disturbance in Afigya Sekyere East

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed the arrest of prominent media personality Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah, along with six other individuals, following violent disturbances during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency executive elections. The arrests took place in Wiamoase, located in the Ashanti North Region, as police intervened to restore order during the Afigya Sekyere East Constituency polls. The police identified the primary suspect as 43-year-old Kwame Afrifa Mensah, stating that all seven individuals are currently assisting with ongoing investigations into the cause of the unrest.

The disturbances reportedly stemmed from deep-seated tensions within the local party structure. According to Okatakyie Afrifa Mensah’s campaign team, the unrest was triggered by allegations that certain constituency officials had printed unauthorized ballot papers. Furthermore, the campaign team claimed that the officials attempted to proceed with the executive elections despite a standing court injunction intended to halt the process. These allegations suggest a significant breach of internal party protocols and legal directives, which ultimately led to the physical confrontations that necessitated police intervention.

Following the news of the arrest, public reactions have intensified, notably from Ghanaian media personality Afia Schwarzenegger. She has issued a stern call to the NPP national leadership to advocate for the immediate release of the broadcaster and parliamentary aspirant. Schwarzenegger’s intervention highlights the political sensitivity of the case, as she urged the party to address the underlying grievances of the Afigya Sekyere East constituents rather than resorting to the detention of candidates. As the Ghana Police Service continues its investigation, the situation remains a focal point for discussions regarding internal party democracy and the adherence to legal processes during political transitions.