As the New Patriotic Party (NPP) gears up for its parliamentary primaries today, Saturday, January 27, Kow Essuman, the Legal Counsel to President Akufo-Addo, has called on party delegates to prioritize credibility and electability when choosing candidates.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Mr Essuman emphasized the significance of selecting candidates capable of securing a robust parliamentary majority for the party. He urged delegates to exercise caution during the primaries, emphasizing the need to prioritize the party’s interests over individual considerations.
“I wish all those contesting in today’s primaries the very best. It is my hope and prayer that the NPP delegates elect credible, winnable candidates to contest the parliamentary elections in December and secure a strong parliamentary majority,” Mr. Essuman stated.
The parliamentary primaries are set to take place in constituencies where the NPP currently holds incumbent Members of Parliament (MPs). Over 104 constituencies across the country will be involved in these elections.
The NPP’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, confirmed on Thursday, January 25, that all necessary preparations, including the readiness of ballots and election materials, had been completed and were set for distribution.
Out of the total number of 373 aspirants who filed to contest the primaries, after vetting, 29 are going unopposed, 11 were disqualified, two were referred to the National Executive Committee (NEC), two stepped down, one submitted an incomplete form, and two did not attend the vetting process. This leaves 326 qualified aspirants for the primaries.
Ahead of the exercise, the party announced that the Ghana Police Service would assume full responsibility for security arrangements during the polls. The General Secretary emphasized that no private security personnel or machinery would be permitted at the election grounds, and anyone violating this directive would face consequences from the police.
The parliamentary primaries are a crucial phase for the NPP, aiming to finalize the selection of candidates who will represent the party in the upcoming parliamentary elections in December. The focus on credibility and electability aligns with the party’s strategic goal of securing a strong parliamentary majority for a potential future Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia government to effectively serve the interests of Ghanaians.