The Majority Chief Whip, Frank Annoh-Dompreh, who has openly expressed his support for Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s candidacy, has categorically denied any involvement in the removal of a billboard featuring Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, a hopeful presidential candidate, in his Nsawam-Adoagyiri constituency in the Eastern Region.
Addressing the media during a press conference held in Parliament, Annoh-Dompreh asserted that although he unequivocally supports Dr. Bawumia as the ideal leader for the NPP in the upcoming elections, he remains committed to fair and ethical practices within the party. The accusation against him, made by Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who also serves as the NPP Member of Parliament for Assin Central in the Central Region, claimed that Annoh-Dompreh intentionally orchestrated the removal of his 9×6-sized billboard within the latter’s constituency.
Setting the record straight, Annoh-Dompreh recounted that he learned of the allegations while attending the National Conference of State Legislators in the United States, accompanied by the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, and other House leaders. Recognizing that such billboards typically fall under the jurisdiction of city authorities, he promptly contacted the municipal chief executive (MCE) responsible for the area to clarify the situation.
Annoh-Dompreh explained that his investigation revealed a surprising turn of events: the billboard was actually removed by the rightful owner of the metal frame, a company known as Kobi Creative Limited. Delving into the details, he elaborated that a supporter of Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, Eric, residing in the United States, wished to demonstrate his allegiance through a billboard tribute. Eric enlisted the assistance of a friend named Rickey in Nsawam, who directed him to Augustine, a claimant of the metal frame’s ownership. The payment was exchanged, and the artwork was mounted on the frame.
However, the unexpected twist in the narrative was that Augustine was not the lawful owner of the metal frame. Upon noticing the advertisement on their frame, Kobi Creative Limited promptly removed the billboard until further clarification was provided. Annoh-Dompreh emphasized that after consulting with the company and rectifying the situation with appropriate compensation, the billboard was reinstated.
Expressing his feelings on the matter, Annoh-Dompreh admitted to being disheartened by the allegations and subsequent controversy. He emphasized that despite the situation, he holds no personal grudges against Kennedy Ohene Agyapong and is disinclined to pursue legal action. He attributed his decision to the fact that the dispute revolves around the party’s internal election process, a context he believes doesn’t warrant prolonged conflict.
Annoh-Dompreh’s primary is the expectation that once the truth was uncovered, Agyapong would acknowledge the facts and undertake the necessary actions to rectify any misunderstandings. He asserted that his endorsement of Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia does not signify animosity towards Agyapong, one of the 10 contenders vying for the party’s leadership role.
