Gomoa Central Member of Parliament Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A-Plus, has opened up about the intense pressure he has faced following the deadly violence in New Winneba, saying he has “gone through a lot” over the past two days.
A-Plus made the remarks during a joint Facebook address with Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin as political and community leaders step up efforts to calm tensions following the violent confrontation between communities in Ghana’s Central Region.
“I have gone through a lot these past two days. It is all part of it,” A-Plus said, explaining that the pressure intensified because of expectations that political leaders should intervene when residents believe their concerns are not receiving the attention they deserve.
A-Plus Says Pressure Has Been Intense
According to A-Plus, political leadership carries a responsibility to remain available to people during difficult moments, particularly when communities are facing fear, anger and uncertainty.
He said the pressure was partly driven by the expectation that leaders should take the initiative to address pressing challenges instead of waiting for problems to resolve themselves.
“There came a time when the pressure was intense because the things people are supposed to be doing, they aren’t doing,” he said.
His comments come days after he narrowly escaped confrontation with angry residents while visiting a police command following the New Winneba violence.
Deadly New Winneba Clash
The violence erupted on September 1, 2026, amid a longstanding dispute involving communities in the Gomoa and Effutu areas.
Police accounts cited by multiple Ghanaian media outlets put the death toll at three, with between 15 and 17 people injured and receiving treatment at the Winneba Trauma Hospital. Several arrests have also been made as investigations continue.
The suspect denied killing Abeiku, and the allegation remains subject to police investigation and due process.
A-Plus and Afenyo-Markin Seek Lasting Solution
A-Plus said he and Afenyo-Markin, who represent constituencies directly affected by the tensions, have a responsibility to work together to help find a lasting solution.
The two lawmakers are scheduled to visit communities in Gomoa and Effutu as part of efforts to engage residents, listen to their concerns and work with traditional authorities to restore peace.
The planned engagement follows calls for restraint and dialogue after the deadly confrontation.
Justice and Community Tensions
A major issue surrounding the New Winneba crisis is the longstanding land dispute between communities in the area.
A-Plus has previously argued that residents feel frustrated when they believe land-related grievances and security concerns are not adequately addressed through the justice system.
He has called for the law to take its course while also warning that continued failure to address the concerns of affected communities could deepen tensions.
However, allegations concerning responsibility for individual deaths and the conduct of security personnel remain matters for investigation and should not be treated as established facts unless independently confirmed.
Pressure on Political Leaders
The MP’s latest comments provide an insight into the political pressure created by the crisis.
For A-Plus, the situation goes beyond politics and requires leaders to be physically present, listen to affected residents and work toward practical solutions.
“I have become one person I have to be there for a lot of people, so there is a lot of pressure,” he said.
Peace Efforts Continue
The latest peace initiative is expected to bring political leaders, traditional authorities and residents together to address the underlying grievances.
The objective is to prevent further violence while ensuring that investigations into the deaths, injuries and alleged offences proceed through the appropriate legal channels.
The developments come at a particularly sensitive moment for communities in Gomoa and Effutu, where restoring trust and preventing another outbreak of violence remain the immediate priorities.
External sources: MyJoyOnline, Adom Online, Citi Newsroom.
Editorial note: A-Plus’s comments about pressure and his political responsibility are directly attributed to him. Claims concerning police conduct and individual responsibility for deaths remain allegations unless established by competent authorities.
