The Member of Parliament for Madina, Lawyer Francis Xavier Sosu, has come under fire following the arrest and remand of Awal Mohammed, an independent parliamentary candidate in the Madina constituency.
The arrest has sparked tensions in the political landscape ahead of the 2024 elections, as Awal Mohammed, a former National Democratic Congress (NDC) branch chairman, was accused of dishonesty and deception.
Awal Mohammed was remanded into police custody by the Adenta Circuit Court after the NDC lodged a formal complaint with the Madina Police.
The party accused Mohammed of using the image of NDC flagbearer and former President John Dramani Mahama alongside his own on campaign posters, an act they say misleads voters into thinking Mohammed is running on the NDC ticket.
The use of Mahama’s image caused a stir in the constituency, with many interpreting it as a ploy to manipulate the party’s supporters. Tensions escalated to the point where violent confrontations were narrowly avoided.
As the situation intensified, the NDC demanded that the authorities take action, leading to Mohammed’s arrest and subsequent court appearance.
At the Adenta Circuit Court, NDC’s Madina Constituency Chairman, Secretary, and a team of lawyers were present to press the case against Mohammed, who has yet to formally respond to the allegations.
The court adjourned the hearing and set the next date for Friday, October 18, 2024, when a ruling on Mohammed’s bail application will be made.
Lawyer Sosu, who is not only the incumbent MP but also a legal practitioner, is now facing scrutiny for his involvement in the case.
Critics argue that Sosu’s legal influence may have contributed to the quick action taken by law enforcement against the independent candidate.
The move has raised concerns among Mohammed’s supporters, who view the arrest as an attempt to silence an opposing candidate ahead of the parliamentary elections.
The Madina constituency is already a key battleground as the 2024 elections approach, and the arrest of Awal Mohammed has only heightened the stakes.
Supporters of the independent candidate claim that the NDC and the sitting MP are working to undermine his campaign through legal maneuvers, while NDC leaders insist they are merely protecting the party’s image from being misrepresented.
The situation continues to generate widespread attention, with political observers closely watching how the case unfolds.
Awal Mohammed’s arrest and upcoming court appearance could have significant implications for the parliamentary race in Madina, where both NDC and NPP candidates are fiercely vying for control.
As tensions rise, all eyes will be on the court ruling on October 18, which could either provide Mohammed with the opportunity to continue his campaign or further complicate his bid for Parliament.
Meanwhile, Lawyer Sosu remains under pressure to justify his actions and distance himself from allegations of politically motivated interference.