Agona swedru: Members of the Agona West branch of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have called for the release of its Constituency Organiser, Mr. David Essandoh, popularly known as Sam Toys, who was arrested by unknown gunmen and taken to an undisclosed location.
According to Ghana News Agency, the members, led by Constituency Chairman Alhaji Gibrine Tanko, criticized the manner of the arrest, describing it as not conducive to the rule of law and democratic practices in the country. Addressing a press conference at Agona Swedru, Alhaji Tanko expressed concerns that the NPP believed in democracy, but the type of autocracy they allege the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) is practicing would not support peace and harmony in the country.
He stated that while the NPP was not against prosecuting members who might have erred in their duties, the practice of arresting individuals at gunpoint by CID or National Security operatives undermines the country's democratic governance. He appealed to President John Mahama, the IGP, and National Security to release Mr. Essandoh and follow due process if there are any charges against him.
The Constituency Chairman detailed that Mr. Essandoh was apprehended on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 17:30hrs at his residence in Eguabiriso, a suburb of Agona Swedru in the Agona West Municipality of the Central Region. "We are protesting vehemently to demand the immediate release of our Constituency Organiser who has been arrested and taken to an unknown destination by gunmen, creating panic and fear among the entire members of the party and the Swedru community," the Chairman stated.
He further criticized the ruling NDC's tactics as unwarranted and urged them to focus on fulfilling promises made to Ghanaians, particularly addressing issues like mass unemployment that affect the youth and contribute to financial difficulties.
Eyewitness Mr. Michael Forson, Assemblyman for Eguabiriso/Mangoase Electoral Area, recounted sitting with Mr. Essandoh when a Land Cruiser arrived, and the driver, armed with a pistol, demanded Mr. Essandoh board the vehicle. Mr. Forson noted that additional men with AK-47 assault rifles exited a second Land Cruiser and compelled Mr. Essandoh to enter the car, ignoring Mr. Forson's inquiries about their destination despite him identifying himself as the Assemblyman.
The protest saw members dressed in red bands and attire, chanting protest songs and demanding the release of their organiser.