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A total of 73 aspirants have filed their nominations to contest the parliamentary primaries of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Western Region.
They comprise 70 males and three females in the 26 constituencies of the region.
Some notable names that are facing stiff competition in their constituencies include the Western Regional Minister, Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo and Member of Parliament (MP) for Sefwi-Wiawso, who is facing three other aspirants namely, Dr. Amoako, Mr. Thomas Armah and Mr. Adansi Bondah.
Former Metropolitan Chief Executive for Sekondi-Takoradi, Captain (Retired) Anthony Cudjoe, is also being contested by four others in the Sekondi constituency including, Madam Betty Busumtwi-Sam, former deputy regional minister, Mr. Emmanuel Assifuah, Mr. Armah Nyamekye and Madam Charlotte Odum.
Mr. Alfred Ekow Gyan, the deputy regional minister, is being challenged by Madam Janet Ansah, a business woman in the Takoradi constituency.
In the Ahanta West Constituency, Mr. George Kwame Aboagye, the incumbent MP is being challenged by Mr. Sam Pee Yalley who is currently serving as Ghana’s Ambassador in India, while Mr. Kwabena Mintah Akando, MP for Juaboso is facing stiff competition from Mr. John Mbe.
The Minster of Petroleum, Mr. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah is being contested by Mr. Mieza Mea Alleah in the Ellembelle Constituency, while Mr. Oppong Fosu, former Minster for Local Government and Rural Development is being contested by Mr. Alexander Baidoo in Amenfi East.
The deputy minister of Water Resources,Works and Housing and MP for Sefwi-Bodi,Mr. Sampson Ahi is facing opposition from Mr. Owusu Ansah.
Interestingly, the Member of Parliament for Jomoro, Wing Commander (Retired) Francis Anaman did not pick nomination forms.
In view of this, seven persons picked nominations in his absence, including Samuel Armah Ndeblay, Ellamoh Yankey Thomas, James Affum, Alexander Yao Hedidor, Leo Kofi Armah Amelemah, Francis Aketsia Kwadu and Henry Awuku Alimah.
However, some MPs are also enjoying easy rides to the primaries, since they are going unopposed. They are Mr. Gabriel Kojo Essilfie, MP for Shama, Mr. Isaac Adjei Mensah, MP for Wassa East and deputy minister for Transport and Mr. Michael Acheampong, MP for Bia East.
Mr. Joseph Nelson, the Regional Secretary of the NDC, told the Ghana News Agency in Sekondi that although 83 persons picked nomination forms, but 73 actually completed the forms at the close of nominations on September 10.
He said only eligible party members in good standing qualified to contest the primaries slated for November 7, after the nominees had been vetted and cleared by the Vetting Committee.
He entreated the aspirants to exercise great circumspection when they were criss-crossing the various constituencies to campaign, in order not to bring the image and reputation of the party into disrepute.
“In seeking the support of the delegates you should be mindful of the image of the party and do things that will always protect the image of the party “he stressed.
He pointed out that the party needed absolute peace and unity at the various constituencies so that it could emerge victorious in next year’s parliamentary and presidential elections.
Mr. Nelson expressed unhappiness over the low rate of female participation in the upcoming contest, even though the nomination fees for female aspirants were slashed to GH¢ 5,000, instead of GH¢ 10, 000 for their male counterparts.
Other parliamentary aspirants include Mr. Joe Mensah,Abby Harts and Patrick Harley for Essikadu-Ketan.
In Amenfi Central, three persons are contesting nicluding Kwakye Ackah,Emmanuel Intiakoh and Alfred Amuah.
In Mpohor, two persons are slotting it out including one party activist Awortwi and Eric Kwaku Kyeremeh while Amenfi West had six aspirants namely, Erick Afful, Gordon Sarfo Adu,John Gyetuah,Peter Addo and George Dadxie Junior.
In Aowin, there are seven contestants including Patrick Cobbinah,Kwame Ntow Mathias,Dr. Joseph Nyensu,Nana Meisu Adu, Frank Kwakukyi Ackah and Mr. Oscar Ofori Larbi, the district chief executive for the area.
Seth Kwame Dzokoto, a renowned radio presenter, is contesting in the Tarkwa constituency with Thomas Otchere as the sole contender, while Mr Stephen Ackah and Emmanuel Assiako are contesting in Suaman.
In Bia West, the incumbent MP. Mr. Michael Boampong is being challenged by four others, including Mr. Kobina Tweneboah Koduah,the immediate past district chief executive for the area,Mustapha Abudu,Augustine Tawiah and Alexandere Senwu.
Two persons are sorting it out at Effia. They are Mr. Mohammed Ali and Michael Otoo, while three persons are contesting in Prestea Huni/Valley.
They are Robert Wisdom Cudjoe,Kwesi Blay and Seidu Essilfie.
