An independent candidate vying for the parliamentary seat in Wassa Amenfi Central ,Dr Karl Mark Arhin has publicly endorsed Joana Gyan-Cudjoe, the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for the area.
What’s even more intriguing is that Arhin revealed he was once a caretaker for Gyan-Cudjoe, and with her recent court case victory, their personal connection has become clear. This endorsement could be a game-changer, as Arhin’s supporters may now throw their weight behind Gyan-Cudjoe, potentially altering the election’s outcome.
As a respected figure in the community, Arhin’s decision carries significant weight. Notably, he’s a senior lecturer at a prestigious institution, where he’s part of a faculty that includes renowned academics like Prof. Pradeep Sharma, Nana Osei Bonsu, and Dr. Kojo Opoku Aidoo.
His influence and reputation could significantly boost Gyan-Cudjoe’s campaign, making her an even stronger contender for the parliamentary seat. This unexpected twist has certainly added an exciting layer to the Wassa Amenfi Central election
At a mini rally held at Kyeikrom in the Amenfi Central constituency to welcome their National chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketsiah Dr Karl Mark Arhin revealed that “I’m thrilled to announce that I’m stepping down from the parliamentary race in Amenfi Central. The ‘landlady’ has returned, and it’s none other than Madam Joana Gyan Cudjoe! As someone who was once her caretaker, I’m proud to endorse her and pledge my support, along with my family’s. I urge you all to do the same”.
“If you see my picture on the ballot, please don’t vote for me; instead, choose Joana Gyan Cudjoe, number two, and John Dramani Mahama, number eight. Let’s rally behind them.”
Johnson Asiedu Nketsia, the National Chairman of the NDC, has shed some light on Dr. Karl Mark Arhin’s independent candidacy in the Wassa Amenfi Central constituency. According to Asiedu Nketsia, allowing Dr. Arhin to run as an independent was a strategic move, not a result of internal conflict or disagreement within the party.
The goal was to tap into Dr. Arhin’s personal appeal and reputation to win the seat as they wait for the judgment of Joana Gyan ‘s court case and this showcasing the NDC’s willingness to think outside the box and adapt to achieve electoral success.
“In our party, it’s unheard of for someone to run as an independent, but we made an exception this time. 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.”
“To counter this, we strategically placed Dr. Arhin as a backup option to challenge the NPP. This decision wasn’t taken lightly, and we acknowledge it’s unconventional, but we didn’t see it as a crime. It was a deliberate move to ensure our party’s presence in the constituency.” He stated.
It’s interesting to note that Dr. Arhin has been involved with the NDC in the past, serving as the party’s Deputy Director of International Relations. His appointment to the National Election Steering Committee in 2016 was also met with controversy due to his party affiliation.
However, the National Service Secretariat defended his appointment, stating that his competence was considered above his party affiliation.
