A-Plus, Afenyo-Markin make peace; commit to ending Effutu-Gomoa tensions

Gomoa Central Member of Parliament Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A-Plus, and Effutu MP Alexander Afenyo-Markin have publicly demonstrated a united front following the recent deadly violence at New Winneba.

In a video shared by A-Plus, the two MPs were seen engaging in discussions aimed at promoting peace and finding a lasting solution to the tensions between communities in the Effutu and Gomoa areas.

Afenyo-Markin described A-Plus as his “younger brother” in Parliament, stressing that both lawmakers have a shared responsibility to promote development and peace in their respective constituencies.

He said the recent violence was a matter of serious concern and assured residents that political and community leaders were working together to prevent further attacks.

“When anger sets in, a lot of things can follow. But we want to assure you that we, the MPs and leaders in the area, have agreed to work together to ensure that peace returns and the tensions and attacks come to an end,” Afenyo-Markin said.

The Effutu MP also appealed to residents to remain calm and patient as efforts are made to resolve the situation.

According to him, the two MPs and other stakeholders are expected to engage affected communities on Saturday to identify the challenges and determine practical steps to address them.

A-Plus, for his part, confirmed that he would join Afenyo-Markin to visit families affected by the violence, including bereaved families and people who sustained injuries.

He said the visit would form part of efforts to engage directly with those affected before discussions begin on a roadmap to address the security challenges.

“Saturday, he said he wanted us to come and visit the bereaved families and those injured,” A-Plus said.

He added: “After that, we are going to see the roadmap to implement towards bringing lasting peace. So I am all for it.”

A-Plus further cautioned against portraying the situation simply as a conflict between Effutu and Gomoa residents.

“The issue is not too much about Effutu and Gomoa. It’s a group of people who are terrorising people that we have to deal with,” he said.

The renewed push for peace follows violent clashes at New Winneba on Tuesday, September 1, which reportedly left three people dead and about 15 others injured.

The violence is believed to have been linked to a land dispute involving residents from the Effutu and Gomoa areas.

Police have arrested suspects in connection with the incident and commenced investigations, while additional security personnel have been deployed to affected communities to maintain order and prevent further escalation.

The joint appearance by A-Plus and Afenyo-Markin is expected to reinforce calls for calm while efforts continue to find a lasting solution to the tensions.