The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary elections scheduled to take place in 2024 across the remaining constituencies will witness changes to pave the way for new entrants into the political scene as MPs.
According to our investigations, the contest in the Eastern Region will be an opportunity for new members to win the primaries to lead as parliamentary candidates for the 9th parliamentary elections.
Our team’s investigations in six constituencies suggest the entry of new candidates to win the primaries to become parliamentary candidates.
These six constituencies’ outcomes are due to the desire of NPP delegates and supporters, who have a strong conviction that aspirants will offer them the needed leadership for growth and development.
The investigation also revealed that incumbents’ decisions in these areas to contest or not will not affect the performance or victory of entrants.
Names that are strongly gaining ground in the areas are Sammy Awuku, former youth organizer (NPP) and current CEO, NLA for Akwapim North: Kwame Appiah Kodua, former NPP regional organizer for the eastern region and Nadmo coordinator for Fanteakwa North: Dr. Kingsley Agyeman, CEO scholarship secretariat for Abuakwa South; Okraku Mantey, Deputy Minister, Tourism and Culture for Ayensuano; Kingsley Ofosu for Atiwa West, where the incumbent, according to our source, is not contesting; and finally Joseph Osei Jagba for New Juabeng North.
All incumbent MPs in these six constituencies have served an average of two terms, except Ayensuano, which is currently an orphan seat represented by the NDC.
Delegates and supporters are predicting massive victories for the New entrants in the range of 50%–60%.
Sammy Awuku and Dr. Kingsley Agyemang are in the poll lead with 70% if the transition is smoothly handled.
The New Patriotic Party in the 2020 parliamentary primaries witnessed some incumbent MPs in the Eastern Region losing to new entrants. Honourable Eric Kwakye Darfour lost the Nkawkaw seat to Joseph Frimpong; Mark Assibey-Yeboah lost the New Juaben South seat to Michael Okyere Baafi; Seth Acheampong lost the Mpraeso seat; and Opare Ansa lost the Suhum seat to Boafo.
The investigations established a strong correlation between NPP supporters’ preferred candidates and delegates’ preferred ones, an advantage to improve the party’s fortunes at general elections.
Reasons for the rejection of incumbent MPs and acceptance of New entrants range from non-performance, a long stay in parliament, and leadership style in the constituency, while contributions of potential candidates in the constituency, competence, and respect for members featured in responses.
The investigation sought to establish who would win as a parliamentary candidate for the party and also find out about potential candidates.
It also emerged that there has been a strategic move by some potential entrants during the polling station, coordinator, and constituency executive elections.
