In a dramatic turn of events, Karl Mark Arhin, an independent candidate in the Amenfi Central parliamentary race, has withdrawn his candidacy to endorse Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate. Although his name will still appear on the ballot, Arhin made his announcement during an NDC rally at Kyeikrom, which was attended by the party’s national chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah.
Addressing the NDC supporters, Arhin stated: “Today, I declare that I am no longer part of the race. If you see my picture on the ballot, please ignore it. We are all now voting for Joana Gyan Cudjoe and John Mahama.”
NDC Chairman Asiedu Nketiah explained that Arhin’s initial decision to run as an independent candidate was a strategic move to protect the constituency’s representation in case Joana Gyan Cudjoe faced disqualification due to legal challenges. With the court ruling in her favor, Arhin’s withdrawal further reinforces the party’s unity.
“In our party, it’s uncommon for someone to run as an independent candidate, but we made an exception this time. Our national executives supported 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, thereby 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 was not made lightly; we recognize that it is unconventional, but we do not see it as a violation of our principles. It was a deliberate move to ensure our party’s presence in the constituency,” he added.
“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,” emphasized Asiedu Nketiah.
This unexpected development enhances the NDC’s prospects in the Amenfi Central constituency as the party prepares for the parliamentary election.
