The political environment in the Asante Akyem South constituency is buzzing with expectation as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) prepares for its parliamentary primaries on January 27, 2024.
The campaign for the party’s ticket is especially heated between the current Member of Parliament (MP), Kwaku Asante-Boateng, and his formidable opponent, Bice Osei-Kuffour, also known as Obour.
Another candidate, Eric Amofa, has joined the race, as constituents eagerly await the conclusion of this high-stakes campaign.
Kwaku Asante-Boateng, a seasoned lawyer and Deputy Minister of Railway Development, is running for re-election.
He has represented the Asante Akim South Constituency since 2012, winning elections in 2016 and 2020, and aims to spend a fourth term in Parliament.
On January 10, 2024, Asante-Boateng formally announced his re-election campaign, expressing hope that he will receive at least 75% of the total votes in the next NPP parliamentary primary.
He stressed his commitment to continuing developing initiatives in the area, citing data and pledges from party delegates as proof of his impending triumph.
Bice Osei-Kuffour, better known as Obour, has previous political experience, having run in the NPP primaries in 2020.
Despite losing by 58 votes in the last attempt, Obour is undaunted in his pursuit of change.
He provides a unique viewpoint to the contest as Managing Director of Ghana Post and past head of Ghana’s Musicians Union.
Obour feels it is time for a fresh face to represent the constituency, highlighting the necessity for change as the party’s national election vote share continues to fall.
He intends to emphasize inventiveness and hard effort, particularly in providing job possibilities for the young of the Asante Akyem South constituency.
Amid the struggle between the incumbent and Obour, Eric Amofa emerges as the race’s dark horse.
Although less prominently featured in the storyline, his candidacy provides a fascinating dimension to the race.
While his campaign strategy and policy concerns are not fully discussed, his existence adds an air of uncertainty to the primary.