In a recent electoral “showdown” within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Eugene Arhin, the Director of Communications at the Presidency, emerged victorious as the Parliamentary Candidate for the Awutu Senya West Constituency. The NPP orphan constituencies’ elections saw Arhin securing 862 votes, while his rival, Amos Opei Okine, garnered 119.
The battle in the Okaikwei North Constituency resulted in defeats for prominent figures. Alberta Afia Akoto, who had 228 votes, and Fusseni Issah with 114 votes, faced setbacks against Nana Ama Asiamah Adjei, the ultimate winner with 341 votes. Ken Kuranchie, the Managing Editor of the Daily Searchlight, polled 27 votes.
However, the internal elections in Odododiodio witnessed a significant loss for Nii Lante Bannerman, who sought to be the NPP parliamentary candidate in the 2024 general elections. Bannerman secured 203 votes, while the victor, Manaf Sowah, polled 349 votes.
In the Tempane Constituency, Former Deputy Attorney-General Joseph Dindiok Kpemka, who lost in the 2020 elections, clinched victory by polling 292 votes against Ibrahim Bashiru’s 229 votes.
The Eastern Region saw Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, losing his bid in the Ayensuano Constituency. Okraku-Mantey, with 136 votes, was defeated by Ida Adwoa Asiedu, who polled 410 votes. Other aspirants, Ernest Addo and Kingsley Boateng Adomah, received 4 and 3 votes, respectively.
Additionally, in the Adentan Constituency, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana National Youth Authority, Akosua Manu (Kozie), emerged victorious as the parliamentary candidate with 814 votes. Her closest contender, Kwasi Obeng Fosu, had 638 votes, while Kwame Obimpeh Winfred Nartey trailed with 18 votes.
In the Ledzokuku constituency, Dr. Bernard Okoe Boye, Chief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority, won the NPP primary by polling 901 votes. Nii Ashitey Ollennu received 357 votes, and Ibrahim Adjei secured 180 votes.
In Asawase, Manaf Ibrahim, who was disqualified from contesting in 2019, made a strong comeback by winning the primaries with 765 votes. Hajia Zainab Sallow, the Ashanti regional treasurer and MASLOC regional manager, was the closest contender with 231 votes. Yussif Osman, Manaf’s uncle, secured 9 votes.
With the primaries in the orphan constituencies concluded, the focus now shifts to the incumbents Members of Parliament in the NPP. Those seats will be the fiercest competed seats.
As the NPP gears up for that, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the incumbent parliamentary seats. The NPP, known for its strong political presence and strategic governance, faces a critical juncture as it defends its seats against a backdrop of evolving political dynamics and a massive lost in the last parliamentary election.
Very instrumental in the last lost was the attempt by the party to protect some seats for various reason. That may not be advisable at all, this time round.
The party must recognize that at this juncture, more than ever, the voice of the people must superintend over the voice of some “cronies”.
Notably, the defeat of Mark Okraku-Mantey highlights the intense nature of the internal competitions, indicating a dynamic political landscape within the NPP. The upcoming elections will test the party’s unity and resilience as it seeks to secure victories in diverse constituencies across Ghana.
Several factors contribute to the heightened competition within the NPP’s parliamentary strongholds. First and foremost, the changing demographic landscape and shifting voter sentiments necessitate a nuanced approach to constituency-specific issues. Incumbent candidates must navigate the intricate web of local concerns, ensuring that their policies resonate with the diverse needs of their constituents.
Moreover, the political landscape is in constant flux, with opposition parties intensifying their efforts to capture key parliamentary seats. This heightened competition necessitates a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond traditional party lines. Personalities, track records, and grassroots connections play pivotal roles in swaying voters.
The media’s role in shaping public opinion further amplifies the competitive nature of these races. Candidates find themselves engaged in a relentless battle for positive coverage, emphasizing their accomplishments and presenting a compelling vision for the future.
In essence, the incumbent parliamentary seats in the NPP are not merely contested; they are battlegrounds where political prowess, adaptability, and an acute understanding of local dynamics will determine the victors.
As the election fervor builds, the NPP faces a formidable challenge in maintaining its 137 parliamentary seats, at the least, compelling candidates to sharpen their strategies and appeal directly to the pulse of the electorate.
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