Former President John Dramani Mahama, the flagbearer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), is calling on party members to rally behind the party's parliamentary candidate for Kumawu in the upcoming by-election.
Mr Akwasi Amankwaa, popularly known as ‘Tom Cee', was acclaimed by the NDC in April and went unopposed during the recent presidential and parliamentary primaries held on May 6. The by-election, scheduled for May 23, follows the passing of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) MP, Philip Basoah, in March at the age of 54.
The Kumawu by-election has become a highly anticipated contest between the two major political parties in Ghana, with the NPP aiming to retain the seat and the NDC expressing confidence in securing a victory. Addressing the Muslim community in Kumawu on May 19, former President Mahama urged NDC members to support Akwasi Amankwaa in his bid for the parliamentary seat.
Constitutionally, the by-election is necessary following the passing of Philip Basoah, and Akwasi Amankwaa, who had already been acclaimed for the 2024 general elections, will now represent the NDC in the by-election, as highlighted by Mahama. He appealed to Zongo chiefs, Imams, and the community at large to pray for and vote massively in favor of Akwasi Amankwaa, emphasizing the NDC's commitment to bringing relief and inclusive development when in power.
In furtherance of their campaign efforts, Mahama officially introduced Akwasi Amankwaa to Kumawuhene, Barima Sarfo Tweneboah Kodua II, on Friday. The former President, along with NDC leadership, visited Kumawu to engage with the constituents ahead of the by-election.
Meanwhile, the government has refuted allegations that recent infrastructural developments in the Kumawu constituency are intended to influence voters before the by-election. The town, which had seen limited upgrades in previous years, has witnessed significant development in recent days, including the paving of numerous untarred roads and ongoing construction of new roads.
Kumawu MP Philip Basoah passes away
Philip Basoah, MP for Kumawu Constituency in the Ashanti Region, passed away on March 27, 2023. Born in 1969, Mr. Basoah began his parliamentary journey after emerging victorious in the 2016 general elections for the Kumawu constituency.
Before entering politics, Mr. Basoah served as the Chief Executive for the Sekyere East District from June 2005 to January 2009. Additionally, he contributed to education as a tutor at the Agogo State College.
In the 2016 Ghana general elections, Mr. Basoah secured the parliamentary seat with an impressive 21,794 votes, which accounted for 78.2% of the total votes cast, running under the banner of the New Patriotic Party. Continuing his dedicated service, he successfully defended his position in the 2020 Ghana general elections, garnering 14,960 votes, which constituted 51.1% of the total votes cast.
