Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, Member of Parliament for Shai Osudoku
Member of Parliament for Shai Osudoku has declared her intention to seek re-election in the National Democratic Congress, NDC’s parliamentary primaries, a vote she appears certain to win.
Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo chose an enthusiastic audience of Kpong Abuvie where she had gone to cut sod for the construction of a three-unit classroom block for the Abuvie D/A primary school to make the announcement.
She however said her bid was not to pursue any rewards in parliament but a desire to complete her “myriad of ongoing projects” begun after she took office less than two and a half years ago.
“I’ll seek re-election in the 2020 parliamentary elections”, said the MP. “This is not because of any goodies in parliament but to complete the several projects I have commenced”.
The first term MP who has initiated several projects including schools, a library, toilets, CHPS compounds, among others in her constituency indicated that she is best placed for the job considering the myriad of projects her office has commenced over the relatively short period she has occupied the position. With Shai Osudoku predominantly a stronghold of the opposition NDC, Linda Ocloo’s re-election quest would be relatively easier if she successfully scales her party’s parliamentary elections which comes off in a few months’ time. To her, she has done her part and the party’s delegates must acknowledge her efforts during the elections.
"I’m tried and tested and considering the job I have done as a first term MP, I believe I deserve a second term to complete them,” she averred. “The delegates must “shine their eyes” and not allow themselves to be deceived by anybody”.
While few doubted that the Shai MP would seek re-election, her approval ratings among her constituents seem overwhelming, making her certain to win an easy first-round victory. The ordinary people of Dodowa, Asutuare, and several communities form the core of her support base. Linda ocloo will face a stiff challenge from other party stalwarts in the constituency including former Presidential Staffer, Dr Michael Kpessah Whyte.
The MP won the 2016 parliamentary tickets on the ticket of the NDC following an overwhelming victory in the primaries against Dr. Whyte.
She was prevailed upon to lead the party after her husband, William Desmond Ocloo who was elected in 2015 to lead the party, died in a motor accident, three months after the polls.
The NDC is expected to give the formal start to the election campaign in a couple of months. The most visible Ocloo contender, Dr. Kpessah Whyte is also expected to run, even though he is yet to make a formal announcement.
