By Samuel Flomo, Jr.
Deepening political intolerance in Bong County has come under renewed scrutiny.
This came about after the county former Electoral District #4 representative candidate, Jonah N. Togbah, disclosed how he has come under sustained political attacks, allegedly from supporters of former lawmaker, Edward W. Karfiah.
Togbah accusation followed his decision to formally cut political ties with the ex-representative.
Togbah’s disclosure highlights what critics described as a “growing culture of political hostility in the county, where dissent and independent political choices are increasingly met with intimidation rather than debate.”
Togbah claimed the attacks escalated after he appeared in photographs with prominent sons and daughters of the county, an act he said, was intended to promote unity and inclusive engagement, which reportedly angered supporters of the former lawmaker.
He said, his decision to part ways with Karfiah was neither impulsive nor personal, but the outcome of months of consultations with his political base across District #4 followed the 2023 legislative elections. “I am fully aware of the anger and frustration coming from some supporters of Karfiah,” Togbah said. “But this decision was principled, deliberate, and taken collectively with the people, who entrusted me with their political support.”
Despite the backlash, Togbah was unequivocal in distancing himself from Karfiah’s future ambitions, making it clear that he will not support any senatorial bid by the former lawmaker in the 2029 elections.
He said that attempts to silence or intimidate him would not reverse that position.
“Political disagreement should never descend into personal attacks,” Togbah said.
He added: “Such actions will not force me to abandon a decision made in good faith and in the interest of my supporters.”
Togbah further defended his engagement with other political stakeholders in the county, saying: “it reflects a commitment to unity, dialogue, and development values he argues are increasingly threatened by entrenched political camps unwilling to tolerate independent thinking.”
The episode has reignited debate over political maturity in county, with observers warning that continued hostility toward dissenting voices could undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2029 elections.