Alexander Akwasi Acquah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, has accused the Birim Central Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Solomon Kusi Brako, of orchestrating the removal of billboards, including one promoting the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, in what he describes as a politically motivated attack.
Speaking to journalists in Parliament on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, Mr. Acquah described the actions as an abuse of power, especially in an NPP stronghold like Akyem Oda. He suggested that they form part of broader efforts to silence criticism of government policies.
The MP explained that billboards owned by him—for which rents have been consistently paid to the assembly for over two years, were used to display messages from the People’s Forum amplifying cocoa farmers’ discontent with the reduced producer price of GH¢2,587 per 64kg bag.
“Just this afternoon, I was informed that another billboard, which congratulates Dr. Bawumia with his picture for his success in the recent flagbearer election, has been removed and taken to the municipal office of the assembly,” he said, highlighting a separate incident involving a pro-NPP billboard.
Mr. Acquah accused the MCE of ordering the removal, claiming it fits a pattern of targeting content that either criticizes the government’s handling of cocoa issues or supports NPP figures.
“Obviously, it’s political. These are billboards echoing the cries of cocoa farmers, and Akyem Oda is one of the bigger cocoa-producing areas. So I feel he is being political,” the MP stated.
He added that he has spoken to ministers and government appointees who are appalled by the MCE’s alleged behaviour, as it demonstrates a disregard for farmers’ welfare.
The legislator linked the MCE’s actions to his previous involvement in galamsey scandals, where he reportedly admitted to issuing illegal fines to miners, suggesting a preference for mining over the sustainability of cocoa farming.
“It is equally safe to say that perhaps he is one of those who want to see the extinction of the cocoa industry in favour of the galamsey business that this government seems interested in,” Mr. Acquah alleged.
Regarding the cocoa-related billboards, the MP noted that some young men were caught on video destroying them on February 23, 2026, and later confessed to police that the MCE had instructed them.
The MP said he has provided permit receipt payments to the authorities and is allowing the investigation to proceed, while urging his supporters to remain calm to avoid unrest.
“The billboards have been paid for over a period… We have always used them as political billboards. We have paid the required charges, I think for about two years now,” he explained, dismissing any claims of improper usage.
Mr. Acquah stressed that even if there were issues with payments or permits, proper communication should have been used rather than vandalism.
“If you are a politician and you don’t have the temperament to handle these matters, and you think you can resort to thuggery… then we should be ready,” he warned.
