All is set for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Manhyia South parliamentary primary today, July 14, 2024.
The primary has become necessary after four-time Member of Parliament Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh stepped down, having been nominated as Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s running mate.
Four candidates have since been cleared by the vetting committee to contest in today’s primary.
The election will take place at the Saint Louis Training College.
Some 570 delegates, including 537 polling station executives, 6 electoral area coordinators, 5 council of elders, 5 patrons, and 17 constituency executives, are expected to vote.
The Ghana Report political desk will delve into the profiles of the candidates, exploring their backgrounds and political affiliations.
From industry players to fresh faces brimming with enthusiasm, each contender brings unique strengths to the race.
Political analysts predict a close race between Nana Owusu Afriyie Prempeh and Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah.
Nana Owusu Afriyie Prempeh
Nana wants to fill the shoes of his elder brother, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate to the NPP Flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
The chartered accountant and manager at the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation sees his bid as a natural step to continue the works of his brother.
He is currently serving as the financial secretary and acting treasurer of the Manhyia South Constituency.
Delegates praise Prempeh as a unifying figure, experienced politician, and visionary leader capable of helping the party retain power.
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah
Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah is Dr Opoku Prempeh’s personal legal counsel.
The legal advisor to the Ghana Education Trust Fund, has served in various capacities in the NPP, from polling station to the constituency level.
Latest poll by Professor Smart Sarpong puts him ahead of all three other candidates.
According to Prof Sarpong’s survey, Baffour Awuah is expected to win the Manhyia South NPP parliamentary primary by not less than 70% of the delegates’ votes.
The survey said the candidate is seen in the constituency as the as most unifier by 72.5% of delegates, most visible by 73.3%, with 73.5% of delegates judging him to be the best replacement of Dr. Prempeh.
Nana Akwasi Coker Gyambibi
Nana, a royal from the Manhyia Palace and the Kotoko Administrator, is another candidate.
James Owusu Boakye
James is the youngest among the candidates.
The 36-year-old is an Assembly member for the Manhyia electoral area.