Decision by Member of Parliament for Akuapem South in Eastern Region Osei Bonsu Amoah to step down from the January 27,2024 parliamentary primaries of the NPP has received mixed reaction by delegates of the party.
Whereas some delegates believe it is within his right to step down, others think his decision was entirely to prevent the Municipal Chief Executive Frank Aidoo from contesting as a results of constitutional requirement of the party which demand that the MMDCEs who want to contest sitting in areas where sitting MPs are contesting must resign two years before nomination opens.
Some delegates in Akuapem South believe the MCE who was disqualified after OB Amoah suddenly filed to contest having indicated he will not seek re-election,must be reinstated by the party to join the race now that the MP has stepped down for the purpose of unity and fairness.
OB Amoah’s withdrawal leaves contenders Eric Apeadu Yeboah, Kwame Ofori Gyawu, and Samuel Annor Mensah to compete fiercely for the seat that OB Amoah occupied for four consecutive terms.
Micheal Ahwireng, Constituency Chairman said the party is preparing towards the January 27th primaries barren any contrary directive from the National Executives of the party.
“Akuapem South is ready.The Election committee member we have put all things in place. we are going to have our final meeting tomorrow morning with EC to let all aspirants know that the interest of the party is paramount and whether they like it or not the three candidates we are going to have one person elected. I want all of them to pledge to accept the outcome in good fate”.
Speaking on the withdrawal of OB Amoah, he said it is within his right.
According to him the disqualification of the MCE was also grounded in law.
“It is not just this very year that clause has been in existence. 2016 that clause was there, 2020 that clause was there so 2024 election if it is not good , the national council will eliminate that portion out if but is has been there since 2016 so I cannot say it is not fair so as I said we are under the national executives and regional executives “.
Member of Parliament for Akuapem South Constituency, Osei Bonsu Amoah,however says his withdrawal from the upcoming parliamentary election is for personal and national interests.
Speaking to the media at Aburi on Tuesday January 23,2023, OB Amoah said despite his withdrawal, he will continue to serve the party in various capacities.
” I haven’t indicated anywhere that I am quitting politics. I am fully involved in politics. As we speak I am the chairman of the research committee of the party, I represent the party at IPAC, I play different roles so quitting politics doesn’t come in at all except that I am not standing again.My withdrawal is for personal interest and national interest”. OB Amoah said.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
