The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has successfully conducted a peaceful and well-organised constituency executive election in the New Juaben South Constituency, with John Hawkson Arthur emerging as the new constituency chairman, after a keenly contested race involving three candidates.
The election, held on Saturday at the Koforidua Secondary Technical School (SECTECH) attracted 1,600 delegates who turned out in large numbers to elect a new team of constituency executives to lead the party’s affairs, ahead of the crucial 2028 general elections.
The atmosphere, throughout the exercise, reflected the party’s internal democratic credentials, as delegates voted peacefully amidst heightened enthusiasm.
The entrance to the polling centre was adorned with colourful campaign banners, posters and billboards of the various aspirants, who mounted last-minute campaigns in a final effort to win the confidence of delegates.
The election formed part of the NPP’s nationwide restructuring exercise aimed at repositioning the party after the 2024 electoral defeat and rebuilding its grassroots machinery in preparation for recapturing political power in 2028.
Historic Female Participation
A total of 32 aspirants contested various executive positions, with four women participating in the elections.
One of the highlights of the contest was the historic candidature of Gyamfiwaa Afua Aboagye, who became the first woman in the history of the New Juaben South Constituency to contest for the Youth Organizer position, a milestone many party faithful described as evidence of increasing female participation in the party’s internal democratic processes.
Although she did not emerge victorious, political observers believe her participation has opened the door for greater involvement of women in positions traditionally dominated by men.
Chairman of the Constituency Election Committee, Peter Yaw Kosoe, praised all the aspirants for conducting issue-based campaigns and respecting the party’s electoral guidelines.
He disclosed that all aspirants who filed nominations successfully met the constitutional requirements of the party and were subsequently cleared to contest after the vetting process.
Addressing contestants before the elections, Mr. Kosoe urged them to maintain unity irrespective of the outcome.
“We advised them that this is a home match. We are one family. Whoever wins should be able to bring the others on board so that the New Juaben South NPP will continue to grow stronger,” he said.
According to him, the level of enthusiasm demonstrated by delegates and contestants throughout the nomination, vetting, and election processes was a clear indication that the constituency remains vibrant and committed to rebuilding the party.
He expressed optimism that a united front would enable the NPP to reclaim political power from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 2028 general elections.
“The enthusiasm we have witnessed tells us that if we remain united and work together, the NPP will become stronger and be well-positioned to wrestle power from the NDC in 2028,” he stated.
Hawkson Arthur Wins Chairmanship
The keenest contest of the day was for the position of Constituency Chairman, where three prominent party stalwarts battled for the mandate of delegates.
After counting of ballots, John Hawkson Arthur secured 549 votes to emerge victorious.
He was closely followed by Charles Osei-Poku Boakye, who polled 528 votes, while Michael Oteng Adu obtained 438 votes.
Political analysts described the contest as one of the most competitive constituency chairmanship elections in recent years, with the three candidates enjoying considerable support among delegates.
Bempong Sweeps First Vice Chairmanship
For the position of First Vice Chairman, Eugene Bempong recorded a landslide victory, polling 843 votes to defeat four other contestants.
George Agyapong Boateng (Abosuo) secured 247 votes, Jonas Adjei Twum-Barimah (Joe Pasaasa) polled 198 votes, David Ampofo Boateng had 135 votes, while Kwarteng Osei Kofi (Kofi Raster) obtained 88 votes.
Other Executives Elected
The delegates also elected a full complement of constituency officers to steer the affairs of the party over the next four years.
In the Second Vice Chairmanship race, Bright AdjieAmoama (Shakes) emerged victorious with 693 votes, defeating Hamza Osmanu, Raphael Obeng Manu, Edmund Siaw (Omama) and Kofi Nyarko Asare.
For the position of Secretary, John Adade won with 703 votes, ahead of Nana Kwasi Agyeman Asare and Ernest Kwabena Boateng.
Owusu Marfo secured an overwhelming victory as Assistant Secretary, polling 1,012 votes against Prince Ofosuhene Gyimah’s 493 votes.
In the Treasurer election, Boateng Osei Agyeman narrowly defeated Samuel Asiedu Boateng by polling 793 votes against 715.
The contest for Organiser was also fiercely fought, with Kwame Appiah emerging as the winner after obtaining 747 votes, narrowly edging Umar Issaka, who polled 699 votes.
The Youth Organiser contest ended in a decisive victory for Andy Akuffo, who secured 1,125 votes, representing one of the highest vote margins recorded in the election.
He defeated Aaron Asante, PuisTevi and Gyamfiwaa Afua Aboagye.
Yaa Ansah Safori Captures Women’s Organiser Position
Businesswoman and long-time party activist, Yaa Ansah Safori was elected Women’s Organiser after polling 773 votes.
She defeated Rebecca Oforiwaa Darko (Payaase), who obtained 477 votes and Margaret Safoa, who secured 265 votes.
Her victory has been widely welcomed by supporters, who believe she possesses the organisational skills needed to mobilise women and strengthen the party’s grassroots structures within the constituency.
In the Nasara Coordinator election, Amidu Mumuni emerged victorious with 742 votes, defeating Abdulai Abdul Rahman (Alhaji Ben) and Nabali Mohammed.
For the Communications Officer position, Peter Kwadwo Asare-Duah, popularly known as Governor, won with 810 votes, narrowly defeating Michael Boadi Sarpong (PM), who secured 703 votes.
Focus Shifts to Party Unity
With the elections successfully concluded, party elders and opinion leaders have called on both victorious and unsuccessful candidates to close ranks and work together towards rebuilding the constituency.
Observers described the peaceful conduct of the elections as a strong demonstration of the NPP’s commitment to democratic principles and internal cohesion.
The newly elected executives are expected to immediately begin reorganizing the constituency, intensify grassroots mobilization, strengthen polling station structures and prepare the party for future electoral contests.
Party faithful believe that a united New Juaben South constituency could play a pivotal role in the NPP’s broader strategy of returning to power in the 2028 general elections.
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