Neglecting the inclusion of former parliamentary candidates may ultimately lead to inefficiencies and exclusion. By integrating orphan constituencies into the decision-making framework, the NPP can foster collaboration and innovation, aiding in regaining power.
Having an analytical perspective and being receptive to various opinions is always beneficial.
Allow me to share my thoughts on this matter. You might agree or disagree, but I hope to present my arguments convincingly. While I understand that you may not concur with me on every point, I aim to deliver a compelling case.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is built on the principles of democracy, emphasizing freedom and development. To me, freedom symbolizes justice and fairness, while development signifies progress and the need to be positive and proactive.
The decisions made by the party reflect the wishes of its members.
It’s crucial to ensure that all voices are heard and represented fairly, providing equal opportunities for all members during the decision-making process.
Is there an equitable platform for decision-making?
At the Polling Station Level
Consistency is evident at this level regarding decision-making. Each polling station comprises five members tasked with voting to elect the following:
- Electoral Area Coordinators
- Constituency Executives
- Their Parliamentary Candidate and
- The party’s Flagbearer
This practice is uniform across all 275 constituencies nationwide, demonstrating fairness within the decision-making process.
At the Constituency Executives Level
Every constituency’s 17 executives qualify to vote for:
- The Parliamentary Candidate
- Regional Executives
- National Executives and
- The party’s Flagbearer
At the Regional Executives Level
Regional executives across constituencies can vote in:
- National Executive Elections; and
- Flagbearer Elections
On the surface, there seems to be consistency and fairness. Yet, a deeper examination reveals some intriguing issues.
Following the 2020 elections, the NPP had 137 Members of Parliament, signifying that 137 of its constituencies were orphaned. Essentially, 50% of the constituencies were orphaned—did we notice this?
Looking ahead to post-2024 elections, the scenario seems to worsen with only 88 MPs, leaving 187 constituencies without representation.
Here’s where the complexities arise. In a region like Volta Region, historically, the NPP has had just one elected MP. Within decision-making, MPs and former MPs are granted voting rights. Thus, only one former MP in the Volta Region possesses a voice, excluding all former parliamentary candidates from decision-making.
This is a significant injustice, negatively impacting the party.
Consider a constituency like Nhiaeso, which has three two former MPs and a current MP who are eligible to vote and have a voice. Hons Dr. Anane, Kennedy Kamkam, and Stephen Amoah each hold votes—two as former MPs and one as a current MP. Their roles as Municipal Chief Executives or ministers further entitle them to vote and influence party decisions, though I am sure double voting is not permitted.
In stark contrast, one constituency may have three voting delegates, while another may have none due to the absence of an elected MP.
There needs to be a reconsideration and restructuring. Including former parliamentary candidates from orphan constituencies in the decision-making process would ensure their voices are not disregarded.
Neglecting the inclusion of former parliamentary candidates may ultimately lead to inefficiencies and exclusion.
By integrating orphan constituencies into the decision-making framework, the NPP can foster collaboration and innovation, aiding in regaining power.
Ignoring the insights from former parliamentary candidates hinders progress and may seal these constituencies’ fate into a cycle of neglect. It seems counterproductive to dig further into our current predicament.
Ultimately, the voices of former parliamentary candidates from orphan constituencies must be acknowledged and valued.
By Hon. Ing Kobby Amoa-Mensah
NPP Parliamentary Candidate 2020
Asunafo South, Ahafo Region
