Voters Weigh Party Allegiances As Four Candidates Compete For Kumawu Seat

Voters in Kumawu find themselves at a crucial juncture as they prepare to elect a new Member of Parliament (MP) following the untimely passing of their incumbent representative, Philip Basoah.

With the upcoming by-election capturing national attention, the constituency’s decision is significant for both major political parties and independent candidates.

The electoral landscape features four prominent contenders vying for the coveted seat.

Kwasi Amankwaa, popularly known as ‘Tom Cee,’ represents the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while Ernest Yaw Anim represents the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Additionally, two independent candidates, Kwaku Duah, who are said to be related, are also participating in this crucial race.

Historically, Kumawu has been considered a stronghold for the NPP, leading many to believe that the party holds a significant advantage in the by-election. A victory for the NPP would be seen as a vote of confidence in the current administration.

The NDC, fully aware of the NPP’s established advantage, is determined to contest the seat and seize the opportunity to introduce their candidate ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Despite the constituency’s voting patterns traditionally favouring the NPP, the NDC remains optimistic about its chances of success.

However, the two independent candidates face a more challenging battle in addition to their competition in the Kumawu race.

Concerns have been raised among voters due to the common name used by both independent candidates, leading the Electoral Commission (EC) to change their symbols as they previously used the same logos.

As the eyes of the nation are fixed on the Kumawu by-election, the constituency finds itself at a pivotal crossroads, awaiting the outcome that will shape the political landscape locally and nationally.

The voters’ decision will not only determine the new Member of Parliament but may also serve as an indication of the broader sentiment toward the respective political parties in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.

The Ghana Report brings you the latest updates on this closely watched by-election as the candidates vie for the support and trust of Kumawu’s constituents.

The names have been provided as captured on the ballot box.

Ernest Yaw Anim

Anim was once a senior Accountant at Vanguard Properties Development, Ghana. He held several positions at Vanguard, including Financial Controller, where he managed an annual budget of over $4m on four projects.

He also ensured compliance with all regulatory frameworks – companies code and taxation. Before joining Vanguard, he was an Account Officer at Millennium Development Authority Ghana.

Ernest was a graduate assistant at Ohio University Economics Department and holds a Masters’ in Financial Economics from Ohio University and a Professional Certificate in Accounting from ACCA. He is also a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).

Already, a recent poll conducted by Global Info Analytics has shown a commanding lead for Ernest. He leads his closest rival, an independent candidate, by 56.5% to 16.8%.

The poll suggests that the main opposition NDC’s candidate is in third place with 12.1%, while Kweku Duah, another independent candidate, had just 0.6% of the vote.

Kwasi Amankwaa

Kwasi Amankwah is the Managing Director of Kyei and Amankwaa Consulting Limited.

He is full of confidence that he will pull a surprise, although the Kumawu constituency is considered a stronghold of the NPP.

According to him, the party had put in a lot of work to increase its voters in the constituency and win the seat.

Kwaku Duah

Between the two Duahs, he was the first to announce his intention in this year’s Kumawu by-election. He is said to have contested in the last parliamentary election.

He accused his former party members of sponsoring his family member, Kwaku Duah, to contest him just to confuse his supporters.

The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) has already declared its support for him.

The PPP, in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Nana Ofori Owusu, pledging the support of the party to Mr. Duah, described him (Duah) as the only known credible independent parliamentary candidate in the ongoing by-election.

Second Kwaku Duah

Very little is known about him, but he is said to be the nephew of Senior Kwaku Duah.

He also believes he has a bigger chance of winning the Kumawu by-election.