The Ejisu by-election scheduled for Tuesday, April 30, will be one of the landmark elections in Ghana’s history.
Although six candidates are vying for the coveted seat, all eyes are on two formidable candidates poised to capture the hearts and minds of constituents.
Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, a former New Patriotic Party (NPP) member, is back on the political terrain.
Mr Aduomi, who has served Parliament for three terms, bravely steps into the fray as an independent candidate, challenging the might of the governing NPP candidate, Kwabena Boateng.
He has decided to cut ties with the party that has given him three terms in office. He raised concerns over the NPP leadership’s reluctance to address crucial issues with the delegates’ album.
The governing NPP, however, sees this as a betrayal, making him unworthy of the party’s membership.
In this feature, we navigate the intricate dynamics of the electoral field, closely examining the contrasting paths of the two frontrunners and the others.
Additionally, The Ghana Report political desk will delve into the profiles of the candidates, exploring their backgrounds and political affiliations.
From seasoned veterans to fresh faces brimming with enthusiasm, each contender brings unique strengths to the race.
In no particular order.
Kwabena Boateng
Mr Boateng, a private legal practitioner, emerged victorious in the NPP primaries held in the Ejisu constituency in the Ashanti Region on April 13, 2024.
He beat eight others, including former Ghana Football Association (GFA) boss Kwesi Nyantakyi, to become the NPP’s parliamentary candidate for today’s by-election.
Although the Global Info Analytics poll predicted a win of 50.6%, party stalwarts believe a lot has to be done to secure the seat with the entry of the former NPP MP.
The latest polls reveal a divided NPP electorate, which is why party leadership, including President Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP Flagbearer, stormed Ejisu over the weekend.
President Akufo-Addo stressed the need for the electorate to vote for the NPP parliamentary candidate.
According to the president, Kwabena Boateng’s win will benefit not only the people of Ejisu but also his government.
Adding his voice, Dr Bawumia said emphatically that a vote for Owusu Aduomi is a vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The governing NPP is convinced the opposition NDC is backing the former NPP MP.
The president also rubbished claims by independent parliamentary candidate Kwabena Owusu Aduomi that the NPP intends to rig the upcoming by-election.
“In 2008, when he defeated the incumbent MP, who was even a Cabinet Minister, did the NPP rig the elections for him? So why does he now allege that we will rig the elections just because he has been defeated by someone else? Is this fair?”
“We oppose any independent candidate whose background is unknown to us. We’re uncertain if influential figures are influencing their decisions. We refuse to accept this. It’s not something we’ll tolerate,” President Akufo-Addo added.
Kwabena Owusu Aduomi
Tagged as the betrayer or the Judas of the NPP, Aduomi is a three-time MP and a former deputy minister for roads and highways.
Unlike his other contenders, he brings a wealth of experience, having served on Parliament’s subsidiary legislation committee and the Local Government and Rural Development Committee.
He hopes to get at least 80% of the total votes at the end of today’s polls. His campaign team believes the ground is fertile and the odds are in his favour.
Reacting to allegations that he has joined forces with the NDC during a final campaign rally, Mr Aduomi stressed that he is not a member of the NDC.
According to him, he is simply loved by NDC supporters due to his impeccable track record, having worked as a former MP.
“The NDC people like me because of the work I did that benefited them. Where have they seen me wearing NDC colours? The NDC people want to vote for me because I am going independent and because of the work that I did for the constituency.
“I am not a traitor and NPP should rather resolve all issues bothering all members of the party and should not favour some people against others,” he said.
Esther Osei
The way is now clear for Ms Osei to contest the Ejisu seat on the Convention People’s Party (CPP) ticket.
This comes after the interlocutory injunction seeking to prevent the Electoral Commission (EC) from conducting the Ejisu by-election was withdrawn.
An earlier statement by the party explained that the lawsuit was initiated by a former Ashanti Regional Chairman Emmanuel Gallo in his personal capacity.
The latest statement confirmed its intention to participate in the by-election with Midwife Esther Osei as the party’s parliamentary candidate.
On Thursday, April 25, 2024, the party’s National Chairperson, Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Kumankumah, was at the Ejisu constituency campaigning for Esther Osei, calling on the voters to ensure the CPP candidate wins the Ejisu by-election.
Gabriel Agyemang Joseph
Agyemang Joseph is joining the race as an independent candidate.
Attakorah Joseph
Following the footsteps of Agyemang Joseph, Attakorah Joseph is also an independent candidate.
Beatrice Boakye
Not much is known about Ms Boakye except for the fact that the 24-year-old student nurse will be contesting the Ejisu by-election on the ticket of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG).