In a strategic development for the Amenfi Central parliamentary race, Dr. Karl Mark Arhin, formerly an independent candidate, has officially stepped down to support Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate.

Dr. Arhin made the announcement at a rally in Kyeikrom, joined by NDC National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, who was there to welcome him into the fold.

“I’m thrilled to announce that I’m stepping down from the parliamentary race in Amenfi Central.

The ‘landlady’ has returned, and it’s none other than Madam Joana Gyan Cudjoe!” declared Dr. Arhin.

“As someone who was once her caretaker, I’m proud to endorse her and pledge my support, along with my family.

I urge you all to do the same. If you see my picture on the ballot, please don’t vote for me; instead, choose Joana Gyan Cudjoe, number two, and John Dramani Mahama, number eight.”

Johnson Asiedu Nketiah also addressed the crowd, explaining the party’s strategy behind Dr. Arhin’s independent candidacy, which he described as an unusual yet calculated move.

He revealed that due to a prolonged legal battle involving Joana Gyan Cudjoe’s candidacy, the NDC national executives decided to endorse Dr. Arhin as a backup candidate to ensure the party’s competitiveness.

“In our party, it’s unheard of for someone to run as an independent, but we made an exception this time,” Nketiah explained.

“Our national executives decided to support Dr. Karl Mark Arhin’s independent candidacy due to the prolonged court processes.

We believed the NPP was behind the delays, hoping that without Joana Gyan Cudjoe, we wouldn’t have a candidate in the constituency, giving them an easy win for the first time since 1992.”

Mr Asiedu Nketiah underscored that the decision was not due to internal conflict but a strategic move to maintain the NDC’s stronghold in Wassa Amenfi Central, a seat it has consistently held since 1992.