The Eastern Regional Executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have enforced a temporary ban on all political activities, gatherings, and assemblies in the Akuapem South Constituency until Monday, January 29, 2023.
The directive, communicated by Ernest Owusu Gyasi, Constituency Secretary, and Hon. Michael Ahwireng, Constituency Chairman, to all aspirants is aimed at ensuring a period of calm and restraint within the constituency.
The statement said ,any executive or aspirant found in violation of this directive will face consequences as determined by the party.
Despite the official postponement of the Akuapem South parliamentary primary, there are reports that supporters of Eric Yeboah Apeadu, a close associate of the Member of Parliament Osei Bonsu Amoah,who stepped down from the contest were planning to converge at the initially selected venue for the primary on Saturday to protest the decision of the national party leadership.
Meanwhile, some delegates in the Akuapem South Constituency have expressed commendation for the NPP leadership’s decision to postpone the parliamentary primary initially scheduled on Saturday January 27,2024.
However, they are appealing to the party leadership to include Municipal Chief Executive Frank Aidoo in the contest, emphasizing the importance of allowing delegates to decide the parliamentary candidate for the sake of peace and harmony in the constituency.
The NPP officially declared the postponement of the Akuapem South election in a statement on Thursday, January 25, 2023, 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.
Osei Bonsu Amoah, in his withdrawal letter to the NPP, cited personal and national interests and emphasized adherence to Public Elections Regulations 2016, C.I.94. Earlier reports had suggested that Osei Bonsu 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.
Despite refuting 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 fiercely competing for the seat held by Amoah for four consecutive terms.
Party delegates and some 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.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
