Member of Parliament (MP) for Suhum Constituency in the Eastern Region, Kwadwo Asante, has officially announced his decision to contest the upcoming December 7th, 2024 general election as an independent candidate.
This move follows his defeat in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary earlier this year.
Asante, widely known by his moniker “Boafo,” lost the January 2024 NPP primary to Frank Asiedu Bekoe, also known as “Protozoa,” by a margin of 179 votes. Protozoa secured 496 votes against Asante’s 320, making him the new NPP parliamentary candidate for Suhum.
Despite his defeat, Asante’s supporters have rallied around him, insisting that he is the preferred choice for the constituency. Over the weekend, during a Health Walk at Suhum Amponsah Market, Asante addressed his supporters and officially declared his intention to run as an independent candidate. He cited the overwhelming support from his constituents as the driving force behind his decision.
“I am the helper this constituency needs,” Asante said, emphasizing that his decision to contest is in response to the calls from the people.
“My developmental agenda for Suhum cannot be truncated abruptly,” he added, reinforcing his commitment to continue his work for the area.
The announcement comes despite efforts by high-ranking NPP officials, including Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Minister of Food and Agriculture Bryan Acheampong, to persuade Asante to stay within the party. Sources indicate that Asante had previously given assurances that he would not run independently, but the events of the past weekend have upended those plans.
Tensions within the Suhum NPP have been simmering since Asante’s victory in the 2020 general election, which saw him unseat then-MP Fredrick Opare Ansah in the party’s primary.
The rivalry between Asante’s followers and those of Protozoa has led to several confrontations, with some resulting in violence. The Suhum Constituency has a history of political unrest, dating back to the 2008 election cycle.
Asante has since launched his independent campaign under the slogan “Oboafo Toaso” (Oboafo Continue), distributing posters and T-shirts to solidify his position.
His supporters believe that his independent candidacy will resonate with the broader electorate, who view him as the true representative of Suhum’s interests.