The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) is facing a crisis in the Akuapem South Constituency of the Eastern Region, where the incumbent Member of Parliament, Osei Bonsu Amoah, has withdrawn from the upcoming parliamentary primary, leaving his supporters and delegates furious.
A Plot to Block the MCE?
Amoah, who has served as the MP for the constituency for four consecutive terms, announced his withdrawal from the race on Monday, just two days before the primary scheduled for January 27, 2024. His decision came as a surprise to many, especially the Municipal Chief Executive, Frank Aidoo, who had earlier expressed interest in contesting for the seat.
People see Aidoo as a popular and competent leader in the area, but the Elections Vetting Committee of the party disqualified him, based on a constitutional requirement that MMDCEs must resign two years before nomination opens if they want to contest in areas where sitting MPs are contesting. However, Aidoo had attached a petition to his nomination form, asking the party to clear him to join the contest anytime Amoah withdraws from the race.
But Amoah’s withdrawal did not pave the way for Aidoo to enter the race. Instead, it created better chances for Amoah’s personal aide and protégé, Eric Appeadu, who is one of the three remaining candidates in the primary. The other two are Kwame Ofori Gyawu and Samuel Annor Mensah.
This has angered many delegates and supporters of the NPP in the constituency, who accuse Amoah of using “mafia tactics” to prevent Aidoo from contesting and to impose his preferred successor on them. They have called on the party’s national executives to intervene and reinstate Aidoo in the race, or risk losing the seat to the opposition in the 2024 general elections.
A Test for the NPP’s Democracy
The situation in Akuapem South is a test for the NPP’s internal democracy and credibility, as the party prepares to elect its parliamentary candidates for the 2024 polls. The party has been plagued by allegations of unfairness, corruption, and imposition of candidates in some constituencies, leading to protests and defections by some disgruntled members.
The party’s national executive committee is expected to meet today to decide on Aidoo’s fate and other issues arising from the parliamentary primaries. The outcome of the meeting will determine whether the party can resolve its internal conflicts and present a united front to the electorate, or whether it will deepen its divisions and weaken its chances of retaining power.
Despite the tension and uncertainty in Akuapem South and other constituencies, there is still hope for a peaceful and credible election process, as the party has pledged to uphold the principles of democracy and transparency in its primaries. The party has also appealed to all aspirants and delegates to accept the results of the primaries in good faith and to support the winners for the sake of the party’s unity and victory.
The Electoral Commission of Ghana has assured the public that it is ready to supervise and monitor the primaries, and to conduct them in accordance with the law and the COVID-19 safety protocols. The commission has urged all stakeholders to cooperate and abide by the rules and regulations governing the elections, and to avoid any acts of violence or intimidation that could mar the exercise.
The people of Ghana are looking forward to a peaceful and successful parliamentary primary by the NPP, as well as other political parties, as a precursor to the 2024 general elections. They hope that the elections will reflect the will of the people and the best interests of the nation, and that they will consolidate Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy and stability in Africa.
Source: Modern Ghana
