Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Mahama storm Akuapem North as NPP maintains its grip

The Akuapem North Constituency of the Eastern Region is set to witness intense political activity tomorrow, Friday, November 22, 2024, as major party stalwarts from both sides converge to campaign for their respective candidates.

You may recall that Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), visited the constituency in August to campaign for one of his staunchest allies in the Eastern Region, Sammi Awuku, the parliamentary candidate for Akuapem North.

During his visit, Dr. Bawumia headlined the second edition of the Ofie Walk, an event that drew tens of thousands of sympathizers and residents. The walk stretched from Mamfe to the Mampong Coronation Park, where he led an electrifying crowd.

Following this, the running mate of the NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, also visited the constituency to show support for Sammi Awuku.

Tomorrow, or at the latest Friday, Mr. Awuku’s stronghold will again become a centre of political attraction. Former President John Dramani Mahama, the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), is expected to campaign in the constituency, culminating in a major rally at Mampong, Mr. Awuku’s hometown.

Over the last three days, the two major political parties have been intensifying their campaigns. Party supporters have lined the streets with flags and posters of their respective parliamentary candidates.

Mr. Awuku, for his part, has spent the last two weeks visiting towns and major villages to secure more votes for Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The NDC, meanwhile, appears concerned about Mr. Awuku’s deliberate efforts to penetrate its strongholds, including Adawso, Mangoase, Kwamoso, Tinkrong, and other areas within the constituency.

Adding to this momentum, the First Lady of the Republic, Her Excellency Rebecca Akufo-Addo, is expected to join the NPP campaign trail tomorrow, focusing on these traditionally NDC-dominated areas.

This convergence of high-profile political figures is expected to pose logistical challenges for the security apparatus as both parties ramp up their activities around the same time. Mr. Awuku is anticipated to play a leading role in galvanizing support for the NPP and Dr. Bawumia, while Mrs. Akufo-Addo is expected to inaugurate a newly constructed clinic for the people of Gbolo Kofi in the Mangoase area.

Additionally, the National Women’s Organizer of the NPP, Kate Ghamfuah, is expected to be in the constituency simultaneously, engaging with queen mothers and traditional leaders to solicit support for Bawumia and Sammy Awuku.

As the clock ticks down, Akuapem North promises to be a vibrant political hotspot, with both parties leaving no stone unturned in their bid to secure victory.