The impending parliamentary primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) on January 27, 2024, are marred by heightened tension in the Asene Manso Akroso Constituency of the Eastern Region.

The arrest of Nana Afia Henewaa, the Adontenhemaa of Akyem Akroso, and Solomon Obeng Asante, campaign manager of Alex Owusu Adjei, has heightened the atmosphere.

Alex Owusu Adjei, a contender against the incumbent MP, George Kwame Aboagye, is at the center of the controversy.

The arrests followed a press conference expressing dissatisfaction with the change of voting venue, an alteration allegedly orchestrated by the police commander and the MP, as claimed by the queen mother.

Mr. Adjei, attempting to secure bail for the queen mother, found himself arrested as well. Both were later hospitalized due to increased blood pressure while in custody, alleging mistreatment and handcuffing to hospital beds.

Although the charges remain unclear, sources indicate their release with instructions to report back to the police station.

Residents and delegates, unhappy about the venue change, suspect the arrests were meant to intimidate them and are considering supporting Adjei as an independent candidate if he loses the primaries.

NPP supporters in the constituency are also threatening to back Adjei as an independent candidate in the general elections if the party leadership does not reconsider the venue change.

They argue that the historical venue at Akroso Presby school was shifted to Akim Batabi, seemingly favoring the incumbent MP who resides nearby.

The supporters, clad in red and black, expressed dissatisfaction on the streets, warning of potential consequences if the decision is not reversed.