'Ken Must Go': Subin MP reflects on factors behind his loss in NPP primaries

Eugene Boakye Antwi, the Member of Parliament for the Subin constituency in the Ashanti Region, has shared insights into the reasons behind his loss in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries ahead of the 2024 elections, acknowledging that his criticism of former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta may have played a significant role.

Known for his criticism of former finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta, Antwi was one of several NPP MPs who called for the minister's removal from office due to alleged mismanagement of Ghana’s economy.

This, according to him, may have played a significant role in his electoral defeat.

Ofori-Atta was accused of failing to address the country's worsening economic situation.

A group of MPs led a movement, widely dubbed the ‘Ken Must Go’ campaign, demanding his dismissal. Among those who supported this call was Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, MP for Anyaa-Sowutuom, who also lost his bid in the NPP primaries to Elder Emmanuel Tobbin.

Kissi admitted in an interview that his advocacy for Ofori-Atta's removal might have contributed to his defeat, although he acknowledged other factors as well.

Speaking in an interview with Oyerepa TV on August 14, 2024, Eugene Boakye Antwi echoed similar sentiments regarding his electoral loss. When asked about the possible link between his support for the ‘Ken Must Go’ campaign and his failure to retain his seat, he stated "For me, on the issue of Ken Ofori-Atta, if I have to lose my seat, God is my witness because I will talk about him anytime, and the evidence will prove me right," he stated.

Antwi, however, emphasized that he does not solely attribute his loss to his opposition to Ofori-Atta.

He explained that even his government can work to sabotage itself when one does not support certain things about the government. He explained that such things have been going on for a long time.

When the host asked him if people took offence at him for supporting such a campaign, he stated that posterity would judge.

He admitted personal responsibility for the defeat, saying, "I blame myself for the defeat because I don't blame anybody. I have to take full responsibility for my actions because Ken Ofori-Atta does not live in Subin.”

Watch the interview from 15:00 minutes

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Meanwhile, GhanaWeb is set to premiere a documentary on playwright Uncle Ebo Whyte on Monday, August 19, 2024. Watch the trailer below: