The Member of Parliament for Akuapem South Constituency in the Eastern Region, Osei Bonsu Amoah, has cited personal and national interests for his withdrawal from the upcoming parliamentary primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) scheduled for January 27, 2024.
In a letter dated January 19, 2024, addressed to the New Patriotic Party, OB Amoah stated that “I write to inform you that I have decided to withdraw as a candidate for the election of a parliamentary candidate for the General Election in 2024 in Akuapem South constituency. I respectfully request that in accordance with the Public Elections Regulations 2016, C.I.94, my name should be deleted on the ballot paper for the election. I am most grateful and count on your corporation”.
A month prior, there were reports suggesting that OB Amoah’s initial decision to pick a nomination form aimed at potentially disqualifying Municipal Chief Executive Frank Aidoo who filed nomination to contest after OB Amoah had indicated not seeking re-election for a fifth term.
The move was seen as an attempt to create an opportunity for OB’s former special aide, Eric Yeboah Apeadu, to secure victory.
However, OB Amoah refuted these claims in an interview with the media after his vetting in Koforidua.
Speaking to the media in Aburi on Tuesday, January 23, 2023 after his withdrawal from the race, OB Amoah clarified that his decision was for personal and party interests.
He said despite his withdrawal from the race, he will actively take part in the politics at the national level.
“I haven’t indicated anywhere that I am quitting politics. I am fully involved in politics. As we speak, I am the chairman of the research committee of the party (NPP) , I represent the party at IPAC, I play different roles, so quitting politics doesn’t come in at all except that I am not standing again. My withdrawal is for personal interest and national interest.”
His withdrawal leaves contenders Eric Apeadu Yeboah, Kwame Ofori Gyawu, and Samuel Annor Mensah to compete fiercely for the seat that Osei Bonsu Amoah has held for four consecutive terms.
Micheal Ahwireng, Akuapem South Constituency Chairman of NPP, expressed that the party is prepared for the January 27th primaries, pending any contrary directive from the National Executives of the party based on stepping down of OB Amoah.
“Akuapem South is ready. The Election committee members have put all things in place. We are going to have our final meeting tomorrow morning with the EC to let all aspirants know that the interest of the party is paramount, and whether they like it or not, the three candidates will have one person elected. I want all of them to pledge to accept the outcome in good faith.”
Speaking on the withdrawal of OB Amoah, he added, “It is within his right.”
According to him, the disqualification of the MCE was also grounded in law. “It is not just this year; that clause has been in existence. In 2016, that clause was there, and in 2020, that clause was there. So, if it is not good for the 2024 election, the national council will eliminate that portion, but it has been there since 2016, so I cannot say it is not fair. We are under the national executives and regional executives.”
Meanwhile, delegates of the party in the constituency are divided on whether the disqualified MCE should be reinstated to be part of the contest.
Some believe for fairness and unity sake, the parliamentary election is put on hold for the MCE to join the race for the delegates to decide.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
