The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced the timelines for the upcoming parliamentary primary in the Manhyia South Constituency of the Ashanti region, following the nomination of the current MP, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, as the presidential running mate for the 2024 general elections.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh, who also serves as the Minister for Energy, has been the MP for Manhyia South since 2008, securing re-election in 2012, 2016, and 2020. His nomination as the NPP’s vice-presidential candidate necessitates a by-election in his constituency.
In a statement released on Friday, July 5, by the party’s General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, the NPP detailed the schedule for the primary. Nominations will open on Monday, July 8, 2024, and close on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. The primary itself is slated for Sunday, July 14, 2024.
Prospective parliamentary candidates must procure a nomination form after paying a non-refundable application fee of GH₵3,000.00. Additionally, to complete the filing process, candidates are required to pay a non-refundable filing fee of GH₵35,000.00 in Bankers Draft to the NPP National Headquarters in Accra.
The NPP also announced a 50 percent rebate on filing fees for women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). This means eligible candidates will pay a reduced fee of GH₵17,500.00. The party clarified that youth are defined as individuals between the ages of 18 and 40.
The Electoral Commission is yet to set a date for the by-election.
This primary and subsequent by-election come as part of the NPP’s efforts to ensure strong representation in the Manhyia South Constituency, while supporting their vice-presidential candidate’s campaign in the national elections.