Five incumbent Members of Parliament in the Ashanti Region have decided not to participate in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries scheduled for January 27, 2024.
Among the notable figures opting out are the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei-Wusu, Majority Leader Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, and MPs representing the Oforikrom, Ahafo Ano South East, and Kwabre East constituencies.
The Ashanti Region, boasting the highest number of parliamentarians, has 43 out of 47 seats held by the NPP, making the upcoming primaries crucial for the party’s stronghold.
In the Old Tafo Constituency, a fierce battle is expected between Vincent Ekow Assafuah and Dr. Serwaa Donkor. Dr. Donkor, determined to become the first female Member of Parliament for the constituency, is confident in her leadership skills to address the myriad of challenges faced by the people of Old Tafo and Pankrono.
Meanwhile, in the Kwadaso constituency, Vincent Frimpong Manu is making his third appearance, challenging incumbent MP Kingsley Nyarko. Mr. Manu emphasizes the need for a true resident, born and bred in Kwadaso, to bring the desired change to the constituency.
The Bantama constituency will witness a tough competition between incumbent MP Francis Asenso Boakye and Raphael Agyapong. Asenso Boakye, confident in his past achievements, dismisses his opponent’s chances, while Agyapong sees the race as a contest between President Akufo-Addo and Kennedy Agyapong, expressing certainty in emerging victorious.
In the Kwabre East Constituency, with the incumbent MP Francisca Oteng Mensah opting out, five aspirants are vying for the seat. Patrick Amoako Kufour remains optimistic about securing victory amid fierce competition from the former organizer and the Municipal Chief Executive of the constituency.
While the filing of nominations marks the initial step in the process, the aspirants must now focus on winning the trust and support of the delegates to secure their parliamentary candidature on January 27, 2024.