Constituencies to look out for

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) goes to the polls today to elect its parliamentary candidates for the 2024 elections.

This year’s internal elections promise to spring up with a lot of surprises, considering the number of people joining the contest.

Before the picking and filing of nominations, 18 Members of Parliament decided not to contest the elections as they were looking to pave the way for the younger generation to take over.

In this article, we look at some of the contests to look out for.

Akim Swedru

This is a constituency to look out for, considering the buzz surrounding the contest. The incumbent member of parliament is being contested by the Controller and Accountant General, Mr. Kwasi Kwaning Bosompem. There have been speculations about the use of money and power to influence delegates. However, the incumbent member of parliament, Kennedy Nyarko Osei believes that with the kind of work he has invested in the constituency, he will be given the nod by the delegates to represent the NPP in the 2024 elections.

Old Tafo

The Tafo Constituency in the Ashanti Region is one to also look at. First-time Member of Parliament, Ekow Vincent Assafuah, is being contested by Louis Carol, whom he contested in 2020. Lous Carol is said to be making inroads in the constituency considering her father’s influence as chairman. However, Hon. Ekow Vincent believes that he will be given a second term by the people of Tafo Pankrono.

Bantama

Former Deputy Chief of Staff and currently the Works and Housing Minister, Asenso Boakye, is being contested by the young brother of Kennedy Agyapong. Ralph Agyapong, throughout the campaign period, has been very vocal and has the backing of his brother, Kennedy Agyapong. The two are working extremely hard to take out Asenso Boakye who has been silent over the period. The Bantama Constituency is one that does not keep Members of Parliament for more than one term. Can Asenso Boakye make history today? Or will Ralph Agyapong carry the day? We live to see.

Nsawam Adoagyiri

Annoh Dompreh, who is the current Member of Parliament, believes there is no contest. He is expecting a massive victory from his delegates and has said that he will teach his contenders a lesson. However, his closest contender, Hayford Siaw of the Ghana Library Authority, made inroads into the constituency and is optimistic of winning 70% of the votes to be cast on the day.

Yendi

The contest in Yendi is another one to look forward to. The current Member of Parliament and son of the late Alhaji Aliu Mahama is facing a stiff contest from the Chief Executive of MASLOC. Farouk Aliu Mahama contested Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah in 2020 but beat her. In this year’s primaries, Abibata Shanni Mahama Zakariah is optimistic of a win and Farouk is sure his tenure will be extended by the good delegates of the Yendi constituency.

Bekwai

Bekwai is another constituency to look out for in the NPP primaries. Why? This is because COP George Alex Mensah, who was involved in the scandal to remove the current IGP, is optimistic that he will be made the parliamentary candidate. Meanwhile, Ralph Poku-Adusei, a private legal practitioner, is in pole position to win the election. Other contestants include Kingsley Opoku Agyemang and Henry Opoku Ware.

Walewale

The Walewale contest is between Hajia Lariba Abudu Zuweira, sitting MP and Gender Minister (number one on the ballot), Tahiru Shaman (number two on the ballot), Alhaji Dr. Mahama Tiah Abdul Kabiru (number three on the ballot), and Jangdow Mahama (number four on the ballot). What makes this contest interesting is the fact that the Vice President’s sister is being contested by the Vice President’s protege. Dr Mahama Tiah Abdul Kabiru is making inroads in the constituency and could cause an upset.

Adansi Asokwa

Another constituency to watch is the Adansi Asokwa constituency. The current Member of Parliament, K.T. Hammond, is being contested. He tried to get his opponents disqualified, but that was not achieved. However, he is optimistic about winning the election. He is being contested by Sammy Binfo Darkwa, Kwabena Asamoah, and Dr Boakye Acheampong.

Dome Kwabenya

This is another constituency to look out for. The incumbent member of parliament is looking to get another nod. However, it could be remembered that Adwoa Safo Sarah left her job for over a year to stay in the United States of America. She has since apologized. Adwoa Safo Sarah is being contested by The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), Dr Mike Oquaye Jnr and Sheela Oppong Sakyi, a legal practitioner and strategist at the office of the First Lady are in the contest.