The New Patriotic Party (NPP) Women Organiser for Akuapem South Constituency in the Eastern Region, Barbara Sampana, has expressed frustration over the suspension of their parliamentary primary over an alleged court issue and other matters.
She said the suspension of the constituency poll, coupled with the party’s continuous silence on rescheduling a date for the exercise is an unhealthy development for the party.
Addressing a news conference at Aburi recently, Madam Sampanasaid neither an official communique nor a new date had been communicated to the leadership of the party in the constituency, on the holding of polls to elect a parliamentary candidate.
The Women Organiser contended that the absence of a Parliamentary Candidate for the area was not only affecting their campaign within the constituency, but also their ability to sell the party’s flagbearer, Dr.Mahamudu Bawumia to the people.
She admonished the National Executives of the party to resolve whatever differences that had emerged to pave way for them to go to the polls to elect their parliamentary candidate.
It will be recalled that a group calling itself Concerned Members and Polling Station Executives of the New Patriotic Party in the Akuapem South, called on the national leadership of the party as a matter of urgency to organise the parliamentary primary.
According to them, it will be in the interest of the party to consider organising the primary as early as possible to avoid serious consequences.
At a press conference held at Aburi last week Friday, the group hinted that the decision to put the primary on hold through a letter from the General Secretary of the party, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on January 25, 2024 has sparked fear, panic, apprehension and anxiety among party members, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty.
Addressing the media, the spokesperson for the group, Mr Seth Frimpong, explained that “we, the concerned members are demanding a clear and thorough explanation from the regional and national leadership regarding the reasons for the postponement of their internal elections”.
To the group, the delay in conducting the primary would have a negative financial toll on the wallets of the aspirants and the need for swift action to maintain party unity and preparedness were central issues.
They stated that “the ongoing delay is escalating operational costs for the aspirant and broader operations within our constituency, placing an increased financial burden on our NPP members and constituents,”
They emphasized the need for urgent preparations for the 2024 general election adding that further delay in electing parliamentary candidates could result in great setbacks for the party in the constituency.
The Concerned Members and Polling Station Executives averred the need for the party in the constituency to have time to foster unity and reconciliation and also ensure a united and prepared party after the primary before any serious campaign.
“We believe that any of the three aspirants named in the notice of the poll possesses the capability and potential to win the seat for the NPP in Akuapem South,” affirmed a concerned party member.
The three candidates vying for the parliamentary slot are; Eric Apeadu Yeboah, Kwame Ofori Gyawu, and Samuel Annor Mensah.
The NPP officially declared the postponement of the Akuapem South election initially scheduled for January 27, 2024, a decision influenced by petitions and recommendations from both the constituency and regional executive committees.
The decision aims to facilitate comprehensive consultation and address concerns arising from the withdrawal of Osei Bonsu Amoah, the Member of Parliament for Akuapem South Constituency from the January 27, 2024 party’s primaries.
Subsequently, the Eastern Regional Chairman of the party, Mr. Jeff Konadu issued a temporary ban on all political activities, gatherings, and assemblies in the Akuapem South Constituency until Monday, January 29, 2023.
The outgoing MP for the constituency, Osei Bonsu Amoah, cited personal and national interests for his withdrawal, and in a letter to the NPP, he emphasized adherence to Public Elections Regulations 2016, C.I.94.
Earlier reports had suggested that OB Amoah filed a nomination form with the intent to ensure the disqualification of the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for the area Mr. Frank Aidoo, who filed with the condition that if Amoah steps down, he should be included in the contest.
