For a new region created, this small region is beset with so many problems that bewilders every imagination. Many would have thought the creati
For a new region created, this small region is beset with so many problems that bewilders every imagination.
Many would have thought the creation of the new region would have brought unity and development to the Region. It is however obvious that the expected unity to bring unprecedented development has eluded many.
Many have rested the abject disunity and factionalism in the party on the head of the head of the party in Ahafo Region. Popularly called Owusu Sekyere, a Regional First Vice Chairman of NPP who assumes the office of the deceased then Tentative Chairman Jerry, is deemed by many to have thrown the party into total disarray.
Many may ask why a section of party members are so disgruntled by his leadership style and its effects on the fortunes of the party.
First and foremost, he is being challenged by at six fwell known persons who are deemed to be heavyweights in the party.
Who are the contestants one may ask?The current First vice Chairman in the name of Alhassan Ziblim is one of his contenders. Alhassan Ziblim who hails from Sankore in Asunafo South is a well grilled and seasoned politician whose down to earth approach and connection with the grassroots is unrivalled by all contestants. He has been a party stewart at the helm of npp political leadership since 1992. His decision is surely a big dent in the credibility of the incumbent. Logically if these two see eye to eye, they would not contest each other, especially when they hail from the same constituency. News from the vineyard indicate that, it is the authoritarian and selfish dispositions of the incumbent chairman, sidelining of the Chairman Allah, forced the later to contest him. The candidacy of Alhassan Ziblim is a force to reckon with despite some seeing him to have entered the race late.
Finally if delegates are to vote along the lines of Alan- Bawumia , then surely Alhassan Ziblim is the hardest core of Bawumia Supporters.
The next Canditate who has made serious inroads in this campaign is Hon Sarfo Mensah affectionately called Booba, a former Member of Parliament for Asunafo North. His relevance and influence will be determined by the outcome of this election. He has been known to be a strong confidante and perhaps the Executive Aide to the incumbent Chairman. Many attribute the ascension of Chairman Owusu Sekyere to the former position of 1st Vice Chairman can be attributed to the efforts of Booba. In becoming Chairman of Ahafo Region after the demise of Chairman Jerry, one would not be wrong to say that Booba and Owusu Sekyere were like two antelopes with each other. If is however surprising to many why these two have separated. Surely there is no love lost between the two. The relationship is not like it used to be. The candidature of Booba is surely giving the incumbent headaches. The centre can not hold according to many party faithfuls. The widespread and strategic selection of heavyweight supporters across the region, if is a measure of popularity, then Booba is Chairman in waiting. There is however a black spot for which his opponents are hammering on. The bribery saga. His opponents are hitting apparently in the stomach. Has he repaired his image? Does he have the shock absorbers to cushion these punches? Time will tell.
Dennis Adutwum Gyimah. DOXA. He types in capital letters if you follow him on social media. They call him Doxa, a radical and influential politician within the patriot circles. He is the youngest of the contestants. Dont be tricked by his age. If experience in such an election determines the winner, then Doxa has won. Surprised? The youngest with the hindsight experience at such a young age. He is surely a leader This is based on the fact that he is the only candidate with the experience in contesting for the Chairmanship race. Approximately four years ago he placed second pulling significnat votes which shocked many pundits. He is no fluke. He has his style. He is a force to reckon with. His detest of the leadership of the incumbent Chairman is well known. He does not mince his words in his submission of his reasons as to why the Chairman has failed. He points to the corruption issues on the Sankore Road which the Chairman has deep hands. He also points to the corruption allegations such as Kukuom Street SOLAR lights which he lays on the head of the Regional Chairman. It is true that Doxa is a fierce advocate for accountability. The question remains as to if he can improve the momentum in votes he accomplished four years ago. If he does,he is the next NPP Chairman in Ahafo Region.
Another contestant is Hon Boakye Boateng a former Parliamentary Candidate in Asutifi South. Referred to by many as the gentle giant, it remains to be seen if his political assets can settle the liabilities and obligations to bring political victory. Our grounds assessment shows that his chances are low. He will be a spoiler of votes and his votes could determine the winner. Some believe whoever he supports, if he is to step down has a great chance of winning the chairmanship.
The other contestants are Eric Agyapong popularly called Agyabes and Dr Marfo. These two candidates according to our research will pull low votes and have not made any significant incursions to enable them usurp the chairmanship position. The total votes accrued by these two contestants if added to the first runner up could decide the chairmanship. Will it not be too late after counting of votes? The question remains as to if this prediction is accurate and this can only be verified on elections day.
It is clear from the above that all guns are pointed at the incumbent regional chairman who is deemed to have woefully failed the region.
According to our sources, the last option of the embattled incumbent chairman is to resort to buying 70 delegates with 10000 GhS each. This allegation we deem preposterous but if true, will raise further eyebrows amongst many suffering party faithfuls.
The nail in the coffin will be the Bawumia-Alan factor. Will this play a factor in the elections?
Rumours indicate that the incumbent is a sworn anti Bawumia and he is widely accused to have attacked the candidature of the sitting vice president. If these are to come to the notice of delegates, surely the pro Bawumia Delegates will drop a sledge hammer on his candidature. It must be noted that Doxa is seen to be the true principled Alan supporter who could take any pro Alan votes.
In short, the chairmanship race is a hot contest and the shenanigans on the election grounds will be instrumental in determining the next Chairman. Good luck to all contestests, Ahafo First, Ghana First, NPP First.
By Abena Gyamfua Kanawu.
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