NPP Essikado-Ketan constituency chair tells supporters of PC aspirants to stop the insults and focus on campaigning

As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) counts down to its parliamentary primaries on January 27, 2024, there is uneasy calm in the Essikado-Ketan constituency in the Western Region where it is taking place for the first time, in history.

Chairman for the constituency, Kwabena Afful says it has become a difficult task as followers of the three aspirants are becoming quite difficult to control.

The sitting Member of Parliament, Joe Ghartey did not pick up forms to contest this time round.

The Essikado-Ketan constituency was formed prior to the 2004 elections with Joe Ghartey representing the New Patriotic Party. He has held the seat till now.

Three aspirants have so far filed their nominations, awaiting vetting. They are Horma Akaisie Miezah, current Deputy Director of the National Lotteries Authority and at the same time Western Regional Treasurer of the party, Charles Cromwell Onuawonto Bissue, a former Regional Secretary and Giovani Nana Osei Tutu Agyeman, a former Constituency Youth Organizer of the party.

Kwabena Afful says having to go through primaries has become a difficult task for him and his executives controlling the followers of the aspirants.

“To be honest with you, we have never experienced what we are experiencing today because he (Joe Ghartey) has been the only one contesting the seat and what we do is acclamation. Today, thank God, he’s no longer contesting the seat and it has paved way for other people to contest but it has not been easy. Followers of the candidates should campaign for them and stop insulting them. When we do that, the unity we are all looking for will come “, he said in an interview.

Essikado-Ketan constituency is an NPP stronghold. However though some residents pledge allegiance to the party, there are those who have decided to look at other considerations to cast their ballots, come December 2024.

“We want an industrious person, be it an NPP or NDC candidate. We need someone who can help develop the place, someone who knows the territory to be able to help when the need arises”, a resident said.

By Ewurama Smith, Connect FM, Takoradi