Concerned members and Polling Station Executives of the New Patriotic Party in Akuapem South in Eastern Region have requested the national leadership of the party to urgently organize the parliamentary primary on February 7, 2024 at the latest, to avoid serious consequences in the party.
Addressing the media at Aburi on Friday February 2,2024, the group raised urgent concerns regarding the delay in conducting the primary put on hold through a letter from the General Secretary of the party Justin Kodua Frimpong on January 25, 2024.
According to them, the decision has sparked fear, panic, apprehension, and anxiety among party members, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty.
The Concerned members are demanding a clear and thorough explanation from the regional and national leadership regarding the reasons for the postponement of their internal elections.
“Our members and constituents eagerly await a prompt and decisive response from the regional and national leadership. We also plead with the leadership of our party to allow the election to take place by the 7th of February 2024,” Seth Frimpong, convener said.
The delay’s impact on the financial burden of aspirants and the need for swift action to maintain party unity and preparedness were central issues.
They stated that, “the ongoing delay is escalating operational costs for the aspirant and broader operations within our constituency, placing an increased financial burden on our NPP members and constituents,”
They emphasized the urgency for early preparations towards the 2024 general election adding that further delay in electing parliamentary candidate could result in great setbacks for the party in the constituency.
The Concerned Members and Polling Station Executives averred the need for the party in the constituency to have time to foster healing, reconciliation, and ensuring a united and prepared party after the primary before any serious campaign.
“We believe that any of the three aspirants named in the notice of the poll possesses the capability and potential to win the seat for the NPP in Akuapem South,” affirmed a concerned party members.
The NPP officially declared the postponement of Akuapem South election initially scheduled for January 27, 2024, a decision influenced by petitions and recommendations from both constituency and regional executive committees.
The decision aims to facilitate comprehensive consultation and address concerns arising from the withdrawal of Osei Bonsu Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem South Constituency.
Subsequently, the Eastern Regional Chairman of NPP issued a temporary ban on all political activities, gatherings, and assemblies in the Akuapem South Constituency until monday January 29, 2023.
Osei Bonsu Amoah cited personal and national interests in his withdrawal, and in a letter to the NPP, he emphasized adherence to Public Elections Regulations 2016, C.I.94.
Earlier reports had suggested that OB Amoah filed a nomination form with the intent to ensure the disqualification of MCE Frank Aidoo, who filed with the condition that if Amoah steps down, he should be included in the contest.
OB Amoah, however, refuted claims of the possibility of stepping down to support his former aide Eric Yeboah Apeadu.
With Amoah’s withdrawal, contenders Eric Apeadu Yeboah, Kwame Ofori Gyawu, and Samuel Annor Mensah are now competing fiercely for the seat held by Amoah for four consecutive terms.
Some Party Executives, delegates and traditional rulers are advocating for the inclusion of the disqualified MCE in the contest, emphasizing the desire for a comprehensive and inclusive decision-making process for the best candidate to lead the constituency.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
