File photo of NPP flag
The New Patriotic Party’s South London Youth Organiser, George Emil, has stated that the decision by National Chairman Stephen Ntim to reconcile with Kwabena Aduomi is a step in the right direction.
He described the former MP, who contested the Ejisu by-election as an independent candidate, as a formidable contender.
Although he was pleased that the NPP won the contest with an appreciable percentage, he supported the decision to reconcile with the former MP.
He disclosed that he feared the party would perform poorly, especially when people campaigned against it on the grounds of economic hardship.
He said the people demonstrated love towards the NPP even in the face of the difficulties that the government was resolving.
He stated that the party ought not to be complacent but should work hard to ensure that the victory is reflected in the 2024 general elections.
He underscored the need for the party to resolve all internal crises and unite its front towards victory.
Some NPP members accused Aduomi of betrayal and suggested he received support from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
However, Mr. Aduomi refuted these claims, emphasizing that he still holds the support of the NPP.
Speaking to the media after the by-election, the National Chairman said, "The party cannot afford for what happened to repeat itself in the 2024 elections."
He disclosed that the party will reconcile with the former MP and other disgruntled members.
Commenting on this, George Emil commended the chairman, stressing that it would be a good idea to reconcile with all disgruntled members before the elections are held.
"The other point is that a former MP, who contested on our ticket and was a strong member of the party, contested as an independent candidate. We admit that there are economic challenges that the government is addressing, and people used that against us in the Ejisu by-election. But you will agree with me that the results were encouraging," he said.
The NPP candidate was commended for retaining the seat, stating that the results would not make them complacent.
"The NPP’s candidate, Kwabena Boateng, performed so well, but there is more to be done. The results were favorable, but we will not be complacent. We will continue to work hard going into the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections, so we will clinch victory at all levels," he added.
He made these remarks during an interview with Dr. Ren on Rainbow Radio 92.4 FM in the UK.
When asked about the comments made by National Chairman Stephen Ntim that the party would reconcile with Kwabena Aduomi in order not to affect the chances of the NPP in 2024, following the figures he polled, he said, "Every serious political party will certainly be concerned when a strong member and a former MP with a huge following decides to contest as an independent candidate. It is not in doubt. That is the same thing I alluded to. The results show people are happy and appreciative of the NPP. However, this is an internal party matter, and I am sure the party and its leadership will resolve this, so we will work hard in the constituency to ensure victory in 2024. I am optimistic that they will resolve all outstanding challenges in other constituencies, so the party will emerge stronger towards victory. We acknowledge the problem, and we will find a way of dealing with it," he concluded.
The party’s candidate, Kwabena Boateng, polled 27,782 votes, representing 55.79%.
His closest contender, Kwabena Owusu Aduomi, a former Member of Parliament for the area who ran as an independent candidate, secured 21,536 votes, representing 43.24%.
Esther Osei of the CPP received 89 votes, making up 0.2%; Beatrice Boakye of the LPG polled 149 votes, securing 0.3%; Gabriel Agyemang Joseph, an independent candidate, had 222 votes, making up 0.4%; and Attakorah Joseph, also an independent candidate, received 23 votes, making up 0.05%.
