The governing New Patriotic Party(NPP) is prepared for the April 13 primary in the Ejisu constituency to select eligible candidates for the April 30, 2024, by-election.
The by-election follows the demise of the incumbent Member of Parliament and former Deputy Finance Minister, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, on March 7, 2024, after a short illness.
In an interview, the NPP organizer in the Ashanti region, Francis Adomako, noted that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) had given the green light to nine aspiring candidates to contest in the primary and the party was done with all the necessary arrangements to ensure a successful election.
The nine candidates are Kwabena Boateng, Dr Evans Duah, Klinsman Karikari Mensah, Helena Mensah, Jacqueline Abena Pokua Amoah-Boaitey, Portia Baffoe Abronye, Kwesi Nyantakyi (former Ghana Football Association President), Aaron Prince Duah and Yaa Akyawmaa Aboagye.
He also commended all aspirants for what he described as a “clean campaign” during and after filing their nominations.
“All the aspirants have gone round to deliver their message, venue, security and all preparations with regards to tomorrow’s (Saturday, 13 April) event are on course.”
“As I speak to you, everything that the party needs to do with regards to Saturday’s poll has been done. We are only waiting for the Electoral Commission to come and conduct the poll, so everything is under control,” Adomako said in an interview monitored by The Ghana Report on Asaase radio.
According to the party, about 1,081 delegates are expected to cast their vote during the primary tomorrow, April 13, 2024.
Meanwhile, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, a former NPP MP for Ejisu, has declared his intention to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming by-election in the constituency.
In a statement issued by his aide, Nana Osei Bonsu, on Friday, April 12, 2024, the NPP stalwart indicated that his decision to contest as an independent candidate in the by-election was due to the reluctance of the national leadership of the NPP to address crucial concerns regarding the existing delegates album.
He believes the inaction undermines party integrity and fairness.
Additionally, the former MP said his decision to contest was primarily influenced by the irregularities observed during the Ejisu polling station executive elections.
In a related development, the opposition NDC in the Ashanti region has announced that a final decision regarding the party’s participation in the upcoming Ejisu by-election will be made on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.