The fortunes of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Abuakwa North Constituency, which is one of its strongholds, seem to be dwindling in recent times, as the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) votes are gradually appreciating.
In the last general elections for instance, the NDC parliamentary votes in the constituency appreciated by 12% whilst the NPP’s votes suffered a decrease by the same margin.
Current Member of Parliament for the area, Gifty Twum-Ampofo, garnered 17,653 of the valid votes cast, representing 53.17% whilst Mr Charles Yeboah Darko, who represented the NDC, obtained 15,551 representing 46.83%
During the 2004 general elections, Mr Joseph Boakye Danquah Adu won the seat for the NPP with a margin of 62% whereas his NDC contender, Simon Peter Asirifi, secured 29% of the votes.
Four years later, Samuel Kwadwo Amoako who represented the NPP decreased the party’s votes to 59% from the previous 62% whilst the NDC’s Simon Peter Asirifi’s vote margin increased to 39%.
The late J.B Danquah Adu re-entered the race as the NPP’s candidate in 2012 and squared it out with Mr Emmanuel Victor Smith of the NDC. J.B Danquah Adu obtained 60% of the votes whereas Mr Smith gained 40%.
Madam Gifty Twum-Ampofo, who led the NPP in the 2016 elections, following the demise of J.B Danquah Adu secured 59% while Mr Smith had 39% at the time the wind of change was beckoning across the country.
It is believed that she benefited largely from sympathy votes, following the gruesome manner in which the then Member of Parliament for the constituency, J.B Danquah, was murdered at his private residence in Accra.
However, when Madam Gifty Twum-Ampofo staged a second straight fight to retain the seat for the party, she was successful, but the party’s vote margin sharply declined to 17,653 of the valid votes cast, representing 53.17%. A new entrant on the ticket of the NDC, Mr Charles Yeboah Darko garnered a total of 15,551 representing 46.83% for the NDC, which was unprecedented since 2004.
The trend has shown clearly that Madam Gifty Twum-Ampofo’s chances of winning a third straight victory for the party is at the cross road, which has raised serious concerns among the rank and file of the party in the constituency.
In view of the above, many have tipped Government Spokesperson on Governance and Security, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, as the surest bet for the party in the constituency, going into the 2024 general elections.
Mr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah’s affable nature and selfless leadership qualities have endeared him to the hearts of many constituents across the political divide in the constituency.
He has a very rich and enviable profile which includes political activism for the NPP, spanning close to two decades in various portfolios and capacities, including being the head of programmes at the Danquah Institute, a CSO affiliated to the NPP.
To many party big wigs, it is time he is given the mandate to serve his people and made to bring his experiences, particularly his international relationships and links to bear in order to aid in job creation for the masses.
Meanwhile, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has demonstrated his preparedness to take up the mantle to lead the party as a parliamentary candidate in the 2024 general elections and win the seat for the party, should the delegates give him the nod.
Palgrave Boakye-Danquah is one of the several young thought-leaders in the NPP, who is oriented towards assisting young people to discover their potentials and make meaningful contributions to their lives and the growth of the country.
As an ardent party and grassroots person, Palgrave Boakye-Danquah has made remarkable contributions in consolidating the NPP as a party of choice for young people and scaled up the provisions of development for his party and country.
Palgrave Boakye-Danquah is committed to putting himself up, yet for another service to party and country by contesting the Abuakwa North constituency seat on the ticket of the NPP.
Findings from a research conducted in the constituency recently placed him on top of several other speculative names, as the one with the potential to win the Abuakwa North seat with a huge margin for the NPP.
I am “here to serve”, which indicates his willingness to put the interest of his constituents first, is gradually rekindling a new sense of awakening among the delegates.
