The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced its decision to abstain from participating in the anticipated by-election for the Ejisu Constituency, scheduled for April 30, 2024.
The parliamentary seat became vacant after the passing of John Ampontuah Kumah, a Member of Parliament from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), on March 7, 2024, following a brief illness.
While the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is currently in the process of selecting a new candidate for the upcoming by-election, the NDC has chosen to focus its efforts on the broader goal of the general elections, slated for December 7th, 2024 bearing any last minutes change of voting date by the electoral commission of Ghana.
Isham Alhassan, the Ashanti Regional Organizer of the NDC, elaborated on the party’s rationale for declining involvement in the by-election, pointing out concerns about the wastage of resources.
He stated, “We don’t want to benefit from [John Kumah’s] death. Looking at the time frame, if the Electoral Commission does not conduct the election before May, any political party who contests this election is just causing financial loss to the party.”
Emphasizing the NDC’s dedication to securing victory for His Excellency John Mahama in the December elections, Alhassan affirmed that the party’s current focus lies in vigorous preparation for that crucial contest.
“I am speaking on authority that the NDC will not contest this by-election. We are winning the election for His Excellency John Mahama, so any preparation that we have is geared towards the December election, and that is our focus,” stated Alhassan.
The Electoral Commission (EC) will oversee the upcoming Ejisu Constituency by-election and take responsibility for ensuring a transparent and fair electoral process in the absence of participation from the NDC on 30th April 2024.
As the NPP prepares to select a new candidate, political observers will be keenly watching the developments leading up to the by-election, which will determine who represents the Ejisu Constituency in Parliament until the general elections take place.
The party has cleared 9 aspirants as candidates for the party’s parliamentary primary slated for Saturday 13th April 2024 at Ejisuman Senior High School in the Ashanti region.
The candidate are, Dr Evans Duah, Lecturer at Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED; Mr Kwesi Nyantakyi, Former President of the Ghana Football Association; Lawyer Kwabena Boateng, former Second Vice Chairman for Ejisu; Lawyer Portia Acheampong Abronye, Wife of Bono Regional Chairman of NPP.
Other candidates include, Abena Pokua Amoah, the Ashanti regional NPP Women’s Campaign Manager Helena Mensah, the Presiding Member of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, Clinsman Karikari Mensah, the former Assembly Member for Onwe. Maame Yaa Aboagye, Downstream Consultant, Petroleum industry and Aaron Prince Duah, Former Assembly Member for Asienimpong.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Isaac Bediako
