Gomoa West MP under fire for shoving off rival Captain Smart at 2026 Akwanbɔ Festival

The aspiring Member of Parliament for Gomoa West, Blessed Godsbrain Smart—popularly known as Captain Smart—has sharply criticised the sitting MP, Richard Gyan-Mensah, over a contentious handshake exchange that occurred during the 2026 Akwanbɔ Festival in Gomoa Techiman.

Smart characterised the MP’s conduct as that of “someone who lacks understanding in diplomatic niceties.”

He made the remarks on Monday, August 17, 2026, during a press conference convened to address a misunderstanding that had arisen the previous day at the Grand Durbar of the chiefs and people of Gomoa Techiman.

In accordance with customary Ghanaian diplomatic protocol, invited dignitaries are expected to greet the gathering and extend handshakes to key guests. Smart recounted that after shaking hands with the MP, he attempted a light tap on the MP’s right shoulder—a gesture he described as standard and friendly—but was met with a forceful shove and resistance when he tried to repeat the gesture.

Clarifying his intentions at the press briefing, Smart insisted the shoulder tap was a routine diplomatic sign of friendship, solidarity, and mutual respect. “I was surprised at the reaction of the MP,” he emphasised. “My gesture of tapping the shoulder is standard diplomatic practice.”

He further expressed disappointment, noting that both he and the MP are alumni of Apam Senior High School, and that he had expected better from a fellow old student. “The Honourable Deputy Minister of Energy is ignorant of this diplomatic gesture,” Smart said. “If he truly understood diplomacy—especially as someone who wields a diplomatic passport—then his actions leave much to be desired.”

Despite his criticisms, Smart appealed to his supporters to refrain from verbally attacking the MP. He however counselled Gyan-Mensah to accept the political challenge ahead, acknowledging that they are now rivals in an impending contest. “I intend to defeat him and lead the people of Gomoa West to better their lot,” Smart cautioned.

Concluding his address, Smart declared that as a true Gomoa man, no amount of intimidation would deter him from what he called his “rescue mission” for the constituency.