Kumawu Constituency in the Ashanti Region is gearing up for a closely contested by-election as electorates prepare to head to the polls on Tuesday to choose a new Member of Parliament.
The race is primarily between the two major political parties, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), but the presence of a vibrant independent candidate adds an interesting twist to the competition.
The by-election became necessary following the unfortunate demise of the incumbent MP, Hon Philip Basoah. The vacant parliamentary seat has attracted three prominent contenders who are leaving no stone unturned in their bid to secure victory.
Ernest Yaw Anim – NPP
Leading the charge for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is Mr. Ernest Yaw Anim, who emerged as the party's candidate after garnering 195 votes in the party's primaries. With a background as a Senior Accountant at Vanguard Properties Development, Ghana, Mr. Anim brings financial expertise and management experience to the table.
His previous roles include Financial Controller, where he oversaw multimillion-dollar budgets and ensured regulatory compliance. He holds a Masters of Financial Economics from Ohio University, a Professional Certificate in Accounting from ACCA, and a B.Com from the University of Cape Coast.
Akwasi Amankwaa – NDC
On the NDC side, Mr. Akwasi Amankwaa, popularly known as Tomcee, is the chosen parliamentary candidate. His nomination was uncontested during the party primaries, solidifying his position as the NDC's flagbearer for the by-election.
Tomcee, a brother to NDC stalwart Dr. Kwabena Duffour, is a graduate of prestigious institutions such as Cambridge International School, Kwadaso, Prempeh College, and Thames Valley University London, UK.
He boasts a diverse professional background as an entrepreneur, gold trader, and mining management consultant. He has also held executive positions in logistics and retail management.
Kwaku Duah – Independent
While the major parties battle it out, independent candidate Mr. Kwaku Duah is poised to make a significant impact on the by-election. Having participated in the 2020 general elections as an independent candidate, Mr. Duah secured second place with a substantial vote share of 39.96%.
As a registered nurse, businessman, and farmer, he brings a unique perspective to the race. The 62-year-old candidate, hailing from Kumawu Bodomase, is well-known in the community and aims to build on his previous electoral performance.
Kwaku Duah – Independent
Interestingly, the ballot paper features another independent candidate, also named Kwaku Duah, who happens to be the nephew of the aforementioned independent candidate. This young contender, relatively unknown to the electorate until recently, has sparked speculation among critics. Some believe he may be a strategic maneuver by the NPP to dilute the support for the popular independent candidate who shares the same name.
As Kumawu Constituency braces for the by-election, voters can expect a fiercely contested race with the NDC, NPP, and independent candidates vying for victory. The outcome of this election will have significant implications for the political landscape and the representation of the constituency.
