By Nine individuals, including three women who are members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region, are vying for the vacant Ejisu Constituency seat.
They have officially announced their candidacy for the parliamentary primary election set for April 13, 2024.
The Ejisu Constituency seat became vacant following the passing of the incumbent, Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, at the age of 45 after a brief illness.
Among the nine aspirants is the former President of the Ghana Football Association, Kwesi Nyantakyi. He was seen at the Ashanti Region campaign launch of the ruling party and openly expressed his intentions in an interview with the media.
Additionally, four-time contender Abena Pokuaa Boaitey, widely known as ‘Ejisu Bronii,’ is making her fifth attempt to secure the seat.
Portia Acheampong Abronye, the wife of the Bono Region Chairman of the NPP, has also declared her candidacy, along with Helena Mensah, the current Presiding Member of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, who is also vying for the NPP ticket.
Former Presiding Member of the Ejisu Municipal Assembly, Michael Owusu, has also thrown his hat into the ring.
Furthermore, the current Constituency Chairman, Kofi Agyapong, is anticipated to compete with his 2nd Vice, Kwabena Boateng, as both executive members have expressed interest in joining the race.
Lastly, Dr. Evans Duah, a lecturer at the Akenten Appiah Menkah University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), has also expressed his intention to contest for the seat.
The eventual winner from the NPP camp on April 13 may encounter competition from three-time MP Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, as per insider information suggesting his potential comeback, albeit not under the ruling party’s banner.
Kwabena Owusu Aduomi succeeded Akwasi Osei-Adjei, former Foreign Affairs Minister, in the run-up to the 2008 election after the latter’s defeat in the parliamentary primaries.
Despite Mr. Aduomi’s unsuccessful fourth attempt in 2020, losing to the late Dr. John Ampontuah Kumah, he remains a contender for the upcoming election.
In November 2023, the former lawmaker praised Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten, leader of the Movement For Change, as “a skilled politician with a legal and economic background.” His public endorsement during an MFC event in Ejisu has fueled speculation that he has distanced himself from the ruling party.
The NDC has already fielded a candidate, Jerryne Asante. However, it remains uncertain whether the party will participate in the Ejisu by-election. According to an insider who spoke on condition of anonymity, “we have suggested withdrawing and focusing on preparing adequately for the December general election.”
The NPP has held the Ejisu seat since 1996.
