The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is well-prepared for the April 13 primary in the Ejisu constituency, aiming to select eligible candidates for the April 30, 2024, by-election.

The NPP’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has approved nine aspiring candidates to contest in the primary, with all necessary arrangements made to ensure a successful election.

“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 concerning 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.”
Francis Adomako, New Patriotic Party (NPP) Organizer in the Ashanti Region

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.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) organizer in the Ashanti region, Francis Adomako also commended all aspirants for what he described as a “clean campaign” during and after filing their nominations.

According to the organizer, the party is focusing on fostering unity within the party and the constituency, especially in the wake of the demise of the Member of Parliament for the area, John Ampontuah Kumah. The party engaged potential candidates to ensure that the constituency is represented by a unified front, emphasizing the importance of serving the NPP in the Ashanti region and the Ejisu constituency.

The significance of the Ejisu constituency and the importance of the NPP winning in the by-election lie in the strategic importance of the constituency, the party’s commitment to unity and representation, and the broader electoral strategy aimed at maintaining the party’s influence and credibility in the region.

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.

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti region is yet to make a final decision regarding its participation in the upcoming Ejisu by-election, with the decision expected to be announced on Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

Lead Up the By-election

The sudden death of Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, the Deputy Minister for Finance and Member of Parliament for the Ejisu constituency, has significantly impacted the political landscape in the area. Residents of Ejisu are in a state of shock and mourning, highlighting Kumah’s deep connection and impact on the community.

He was known for his dedication to creating jobs and providing assistance to constituents, often going beyond financial support to empathize with and listen to the problems of others without judgment.

Dr. Kumah’s untimely death has left a void in the political and social fabric of the Ejisu constituency. His contributions to wealth creation, and economic development, and his role as a compassionate leader have left a lasting legacy.

His sudden passing has not only affected the political landscape but also the broader context of Ghanaian society, as he was a key member of the NPP government, shaping policies and contributing to the nation’s development.

The political landscape in Ejisu is now in a state of flux, with the upcoming by-election to fill the vacant seat. The NPP has prepared for the primary to select eligible candidates for the by-election, indicating a move to continue Kumah’s legacy and the party’s commitment to the constituency.