During the 2024 election campaign, Valentino Nii Noi Nortey was on the campaign trail, vying for Member of Parliament (MP) for the Klottey Korle constituency for Ghana’s governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
His opponent was Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, MP for the constituency and daughter of Jerry John Rawlings, the former first President of Ghana.
Mr. Nortey lost his bid for the constituency, garnering only 37.22% of the votes, while Ms Agyeman-Rawlings won handily with 62.78%.
The former parliamentary candidate largely stayed off the news cycle until this past week.
Mr. Nortey, 41, is now reportedly facing charges of attempted homicide and aggravated assault following what local authorities describe as a domestic dispute that escalated into a scene of violence.
The incident occurred in a quiet subdivision of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, where Mr. Nortey was reportedly staying with his wife.
The Attack
According to charging documents filed by the Swatara Township Police Department, officers were dispatched to a residence early Tuesday morning following reports of a domestic disturbance.
Police say Mr. Nortey allegedly attacked his wife with a knife during a heated argument inside their home.
The victim sustained multiple stab wounds to her torso and extremities.
Investigators told reporters that the intervention of a family member may have prevented the attack from becoming fatal.
She was rushed to a local trauma center in critical condition. Hospital officials stated the victim is now in stable but guarded condition.
The Family of The Victim Speaks Out
In an interview with a local radio station, some members of the family gave more insight into events that led up to the incident.
They allege that the victim had reportedly spoken of seeking a divorce from Mr. Nortey.
David Gyapanin, uncle to the victim, described the incident as deeply troubling and appealed for justice to be served.
“They had a little argument, and my niece said she may file for divorce if things continue that way,” he said.
“My niece said Valentino threatened to either kill himself or kill her. He stabbed her three times. She pleaded with him to take her to the hospital. He agreed on condition that she would not mention his name.
Fortunately, she had the car key and managed to drive to the hospital where she works. She’s getting better. As a family, we want nothing less than justice,” he added.
The Legal Road Ahead
Mr. Nortey is currently being held at the Dauphin County Prison after being denied bail, with the judge citing the severity of the charges and the potential flight risk given his international ties.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for later this month. For now, the man who once sought to represent thousands in the halls of Parliament sits in a cell, waiting for a trial that will determine whether he spends the rest of his life behind bars.
