In the latest development, the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Ejisu, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, has declared his intention to contest the upcoming by-election in the constituency as an independent candidate.
Mr. Aduomi’s declaration comes a day ahead of the New Patriotic Party’s internal primary to elect a candidate for the upcoming by-election slated for Tuesday, April 30, 2024.
In a statement issued by his campaign 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 is due to the reluctance of the National Leadership of the NPP to address crucial concerns regarding the existing delegates album, which he believes undermines party integrity and fairness.
Additionally, the former MP said his decision to contest was largely influenced by the irregularities observed during the Ejisu polling station executive elections.
“These irregularities, including the alleged arbitrary selection of individuals by the late MP of Ejisu, John Kumah, and the Regional Executives of the NPP, were deemed unacceptable in a democratic society.
“The genesis of this decision traces back to the tumultuous Ejisu polling station executive elections, marred by irregularities that would have been deemed unacceptable in any democratic society.
“Rather than adhering to the democratic process, the late MP of Ejisu, with the assistance of the Regional Executives of the NPP, arbitrarily handpicked individuals to fill key positions—a blatant disregard for the party’s constitution and its fundamental principles.
“Such actions have rightfully stirred vehement protests from conscientious party members and stakeholders across the nation. The issue has even found its way into the courts for adjudication, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need for redress.
“Hon. Owusu-Aduomi’s decision to contest the by-election as an independent candidate underscores his unwavering commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring transparency and accountability within the party. By refusing to participate in an ostensibly flawed process, he sends a clear message that integrity and fairness must prevail, even at the expense of personal political aspirations”.
The by-election in the Ejisu constituency has become necessary due to the demise of the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) and Deputy Finance Minister, Dr John Ampontuah Kumah on March 7, 2024.
Currently, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) has successfully cleared all the nine aspirants who filed their nominations to contest in the primary tomorrow, April 13, 2024.
The nine candidates are Lawyer Kwabena Boateng, Dr Evans Duah, Klinsman Karikari Mensah, Helena Mensah, Jacqueline Abena Pokua Amoah-Boaitey, Portia Baffoe Abronye, Lawyer Kwesi Nyantakyi(former Ghana Football Association President), Aaron Prince Duah and Yaa Akyawmaa Aboagye.