Ghanaian politician and activist Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, has contemplated declining an invitation from Atinka FM for an upcoming debate.
A Plus, an independent parliamentary hopeful for Gomoa Central, was scheduled to participate in a debate on Thursday, October 10, 2024, alongside Kwame Yawson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the incumbent Member of Parliament from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Naana Eyiah Quansah.
However, on Wednesday, A Plus announced on social media that he would not be taking part in the debate unless certain conditions were met. He argued that the debate, organized by Atinka FM, would not benefit his campaign and would offer him no significant advantage.
A Plus further stated that his personal following is larger than that of Atinka FM, suggesting that the station stood to gain more from his participation.
He wrote:
“Dear Atinka FM, thank you for the invitation. I want to be clear: your debate will not impact my campaign and won’t provide any benefit to me. In fact, Kwame A Plus has a larger following than Atinka FM! You need me, I don’t! My appearance would primarily attract sponsors and generate revenue for you, so please, pay me.”
He also mentioned that on the day of the debate, he had already committed to partnering with the Becks Glaucoma Foundation Ghana to celebrate World Glaucoma Day in Gomoa Ekwamkrom, where he will be conducting eye screenings and distributing free medications.
A Plus highlighted a previous incident involving Atinka FM’s parent company, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, where he requested medications for a free health screening in his constituency. Despite his compliance with payment, he said the company sent him Viagra and Mr Q.
He added that he would consider joining the debate only if Atinka FM agreed to supply free medications for the Osamkrom Prison Camp, which is in urgent need of medical supplies.
Concluding his post, A Plus emphasized that his involvement in the political race had brought attention to his opponents, stating, “Those individuals featured on your flyer were relatively unknown until I entered the race. But for me, who knew about Kwame Dean or Naana Eyiah? I will not continue to give them free exposure without receiving something of significant value in return.”
A Plus is awaiting a response from Atinka FM regarding his request for the medications before confirming his participation.
