As the political arena heats up in Ghana, Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Kennedy Agyapong, who has a history of contentious statements and actions, has stepped into the spotlight as he embarks on his flagbearership campaign, in preparation for the upcoming Presidential primaries.
Despite the enthusiasm and confidence in becoming the next flagbearer and subsequently assuming the role of the President of the nation, the weight of his past actions, often labeled as ‘sins,’ threatens to overshadow his aspirations.
The MP has gained notoriety for his provocative statements. He has consistently been at the center of various controversies, stirring up debates and attracting both support and criticism for his outspoken views. In this piece, The Independent Ghana highlights ‘7 past ‘sins’ of Kennedy Agyapong’ which is likely to haunt his political career.
Firstly, ‘Kill Ewes statement’: Mr Agyapong is reported to have fueled tribalism by declaring war on all Ewes living in the Ashanti region by inciting NPP activists in the region to attack Ewes with machetes and cutlasses. Despite his attempts at providing clarifications, this incident appears to be one that Ghanaians may find difficult to forgive him for.
Ahmed Suale’s death: Ahmed Hussein Suale was an investigative journalist who died on Wednesday, 16 January 2019. He was killed by unidentified men on motorbikes who shot him three times, twice in the chest and once in his neck in his vehicle. Prior to his demise, Mr Agyapong had publicly attacked Mr Suale on his media platforms.
The legislator had shown a photo of the undercover journalist on TV, disclosed his place of residence and made comments that suggested that Ahmed was a ‘bad boy’ and anyone who sees him could be aggressive towards him. When Ahmed was eventually murdered by unknown gunmen months later, Mr Agyapong became one of the first to be accused of complicity in the incident.
Leaking Afia Schwarzenegger: The MP in 2016 threatened to leak the nude photos of Ghanaian socialite Afia Schwarzenegger. Speaking on Oman FM’s Boiling Point, he said that he was going to release Afia Schwarzenegger’s naked pictures the following week.
Death of Former MP J. B Dankwah: Hon. JB Danquah was murdered in his home on 9th February 2016 at Shiashie in Accra. He was the MP for Abuakwa North on the ticket of NPP. Daniel Asiedu aka Sexy Don Don, the main suspect in the murder of the former Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North, Joseph Boakye Danquah Adu later confessed to the crime.
Daniel in his confession mentioned the names of those who hired him to end the life of the late JB Danquah. Hon Kennedy Agyapong was mentioned as having a hand in the contract killing of the former MP by the suspect Sexy Don Don. The MP has since been fighting for his reputation by denying the claims.
Attacks on Anas: Ken Agyapong has never seen eye-to-eye with Anas Aremeyaw Anas arguing repeatedly that the modus operandi of the journalist was unethical and dangerous. A number of Anas’ projects notably ‘In The Eyes of God’ – about judicial corruption, ‘Number 12’ – about corruption in Ghana football and particularly Galamsey Fraud expose, only upped the ante relative to attacks from the lawmaker.
It was with the galamsey piece that Agyapong dragged Anas’ boss Kweku Baako Jnr, Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading GUIDE into the picture, relative to attacks and accusations of corruption and complicity in galamsey. Baako eventually won a defamation suit against Agyapong when an Accra High Court awarded him GHC130,000 in damages, way below the GHC25 million he had sought.
However, in a recent development, Anas also dragged Mr Agyapong to court in a defamation suit, which the investigative journalist lost.
NPP is useless comment: The MP has been actively involved in critiquing his own party, occasionally resorting to hurling insults at some party members. Mr Agyapong who has put a tag on himself as chief financier of the NPP, therefore, does whatever pleases him, has previously (in 2015) described the party as “useless” and members as “stupid, fools and idiots.” This statement incurred the wrath of many in the party and appears to be one of the ‘unforgivable sins’ committed by the now aspiring Presidential candidate.
Attack on Churches: Like most Ghanaians, he believes in the existence of a supreme being who created heaven and earth, however, what he abhors is the manner in which some people practice their faith. He is convinced that while some genuine pastors exist, there are charlatans who parade as men of God and have majored in fleecing unsuspecting people of their monies. He has thus taken it upon himself to campaign against such persons.
Mr Agyapong in recent past years waged a strong campaign against some popular pastors in the country of which Head Pastor of the International God’s Way Church, Bishop Daniel Obinim, fell victim. Kennedy Agyapong who said he was on a mission to expose fake pastors who have taken advantage of innocent Ghanaians and are living lavishly off their sweat, ensured the arrest of Mr Obinim.
Mr Obinim was charged with the offences of publication of false news and forgery of documents contrary to sections 208 and 159 of the Criminal and other offences Act, (1960) (ACT 29) respectively. The MP who says he is still not happy with developments in the religious space, has vowed to renew his attack on the so-called men of God.
Despite these ‘sins’ Mr Agyapong remains resolute in his quest to become the next leader of the party. Will he be forgiven by the party or will he face potential repercussions for his actions? Well, time will tell.
Source: The Independent Ghana| Jessie Ola-Morris