President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has asserted his authority, stating that until he leaves office, only members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) can advocate for development projects in the Ejisu constituency.
His remarks follow Kwabena Owusu Aduomi‘s decision to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming by-election in Ejisu.
Speaking at a gathering in Ejisu, President Akufo-Addo emphasized his role in the country’s governance until January 7, 2025, underscoring his final say in developmental initiatives, particularly concerning roads.
Expressing the need for a majority in Parliament, President Akufo-Addo urged the electorate to rally behind Kwabena Boateng to ensure effective representation for Ejisu.
“From today to 7th January 2025, the NPP government is in power under the leadership of Akufo-Addo. If you’re looking for someone who can convince the NPP president, then we need an NPP member and not an independent member who we don’t know. If he is getting help from some actors in the background to bad-mouth the party. Their plan will fail. It won’t happen,” President Akufo-Addo stated.
In a direct appeal to the constituents, he continued, “I came here to plead with you to help me. You can see what is happening in Parliament now. We need a majority even if it’s one vote to help us compete in Parliament and that one vote is Kwabena Boateng.”
He acknowledged the significant roles of Ejisu’s MPs, stating, “I know that Members of Parliament for Ejisu are mostly Ministers and even though there is a shorter time, I will see what I can do about it if you vote for him,” to an enthusiastic crowd in Ejisu.
The by-election, scheduled for April 30, 2024, was necessitated by the passing of Dr John Kumah on March 7, 2024, due to a terminal illness. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has chosen to withdraw from the by-election to concentrate on the upcoming national election.