The Member of Parliament for Assin Central, Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong, has retained his number one position on the ballot paper for the New Patriotic Party’s November 4 presidential primary.
The balloting, which was conducted on Wednesday at the party’s headquarters in Accra on Wednesday, September 13, saw the Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, take the number two slot on the ballot paper.
Former Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, claimed the Number 3 position, while Number 4 went to former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh.
Hon. Ken Agyapong, it may be recalled, was the number one aspirant on the ballot paper during last August’s Super Delegates Congress, where he took second place at the event, which saw Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerge as the frontrunner.
The upcoming primary will only see four contenders following the withdrawal of former Minister of Trade and Industry Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen and Boakye Kyeremanten Agyarko, a former energy minister.
Kyerematen particularly expressed concerns about the intimidation of his supporters by both other supporters and prominent members of the NPP.
Kyerematen stated in his official announcement that the pronouncements made by some leading members of the NPP both before and after the elections also lent weight to his observations.
Moreover, Kyerematen highlighted the unprecedented level of intimidation faced by a significant number of delegates at various voting centers across the sixteen regions, calling it a first in the history of the NPP.
Boakye Agyarko, who refrained from a run-off with Francis Addai Nimo to make the shortlist, in his withdrawal statement also pointed out unconstitutional acts in the conduct of the presidential primaries and called it a day.
Meanwhile, the NPP has announced strict regulations for the upcoming Presidential Primary, stressing that the party is determined to ensure adherence to these regulations and prevent any breaches.
Reverend Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, Chairman of the Presidential Elections Committee, disclosed these when he addressed the press on Wednesday after meeting with the four aspirants and their representatives.
The Electoral Commission officials were present during the meeting to ensure clear communication and coordination.
Professor Oquaye stated that various issues and requests made by the aspirants had been resolved.
Professor Oquaye emphasized that the party is tightening and streamlining the rules to ensure the victory of the NPP as a whole, rather than any particular individual, to unite behind the chosen candidate and secure a win in the upcoming presidential race.
With these strict regulations and a unified approach, the NPP aims to successfully elect its presidential candidate on November 4 and pave the way for victory in the upcoming general election.
Hon. Ken Agyapong shared his thoughts on the meeting and the matters arising.
