Only the rich can be MPs for Bantama - Bantama MP

Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bantama Constituency, Daniel Okyem Aboagye has told his constituents, particularly delegates of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to always look out for resourceful individuals in their choice for a legislator, if they wish to see progress in the area.

“Ghana politics is very expensive; if you don’t have other jobs, u cannot do what I am doing”, he told a packed auditorium of party delegates at a “Townhall Meeting” on Sunday covered by MyNewsGh.com.

“If you make the least mistake, you will steal state money and disgrace the constituency; so we need an” experienced, strategic and rich” person for Bantama’s progress he said in announcing his re-election bid.

The MP, who is also the spokesman for the government on Finance would have to employ all missiles at his disposal if he really intends to retain his seat, MyNewsGh.com checks with some delegates have revealed.

It could be his worst nightmare as equally “rich, experienced and strategic” NPP politicians, some of who many years his seniors have expressed interest in annexing his seat.

With former MP, Henry Kwabena Kokofu lurking around, one individual who is yet to announce a bid but spending big and gaining popularity amongst delegates is Deputy Chief of Staff, Francis Asenso Boakye.

The relatively young politician, who wields a lot of influence in the corridors of power, with so much resources at his disposal could spring a surprise that could see Okyem Aboagye, also becoming a one-term MP.

From the grapevine, the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, Dr Anthony Nsiah Asare could also make an appearance to contest for the Bantama seat.

Okyem Aboagye has begun drumming home a trump card, “stability for development”, by which he is trying to court the conscience of delegates to keep him on the ballot sheets for Bantama to exit the back benches of Parliament.

The Bantama Constituency, nicknamed “Florida” is arguably the safest and most popular electorate of the ruling NPP, but the ritual of changing its parliamentary candidates in the last three elections have robbed it of its “pride of place in the Parliament House”, Daniel Okyem Aboagye told the delegates.