In a landmark political event for the Bekwai Constituency, Joseph Osei Owusu, the sitting Member of Parliament (MP) and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, has officially endorsed Ralph Poku-Adusei as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate ahead of the 2024 general elections.
This endorsement comes as Osei Owusu, affectionately known as Joe Wise, prepares to retire after 16 years of service to the constituency.
The endorsement was announced during the official launch of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP-2024) on Friday, September 6, 2024.
The event was attended by key political figures, including Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, as well as other regional and constituency leaders. Traditional authorities and local party members were also present.
Joe Wise, in a heartfelt address, emphasized his confidence in Lawyer Ralph Poku-Adusei as his chosen successor.
He urged the people of Bekwai to rally behind the lawyer in the upcoming December 7 elections, citing the importance of continuity in leadership for the future of the constituency.
“After 16 years of dedicated service to the people of Bekwai, I have decided to bow out. As I leave, I present to you Lawyer Ralph Poku-Adusei. I wholeheartedly endorse him and urge you all to support and uplift him,” Joe Wise declared to a crowd of enthusiastic constituents.
He further highlighted the critical role Ralph could play in maintaining the NPP’s developmental agenda in Bekwai and underscored his belief in the leadership of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate, as the right person to lead the country forward.
The event also saw the unveiling of two significant infrastructure projects for the Bekwai District: the DRIP-2024 and a new AstroTurf project.
Both projects are set to transform the district, enhancing road connectivity and providing modern recreational facilities for the youth.
Joe Wise explained the importance of the DRIP initiative, noting how the earth-moving machines unveiled at the ceremony would be pivotal in improving local infrastructure and boosting economic activity.
“Yesterday was a momentous day in the Bekwai Constituency. We unveiled the DRIP program, cut the sod for the AstroTurf project, and introduced the machines that will enhance the district’s development. It was an honor to do this alongside Chairman Wontumi and Lawyer Ralph Poku-Adusei,” he wrote on social media.
Ralph Poku-Adusei, a prominent private legal practitioner, has rapidly gained popularity among the people of Bekwai.
His proactive approach to community issues, such as addressing longstanding waste management problems, has earned him widespread admiration.
Recently, he spearheaded efforts to clear a 50-year-old refuse dump at Adjamesu and a 70-year-old refuse dump at Poano, demonstrating his commitment to solving pressing local problems.
Speaking at the event, Ralph Poku-Adusei expressed his gratitude to Joe Wise and Chairman Wontumi for their support and blessings.
He pledged to continue the legacy of development in the constituency, with a particular focus on improving infrastructure, education, and job creation.
“Bekwai deserves a leader who will build on the foundations laid by those before us. I am honored to have the support of Hon. Joseph Osei Owusu and Chairman Wontumi. Together, we can ensure the continued development of our constituency,” he said.
He also appealed to the constituents to support both his candidacy and that of Dr. Bawumia in the presidential election, promising that an NPP government would bring further growth to Bekwai.
The endorsement of Ralph Poku-Adusei by Joe Wise marks a turning point in the political history of Bekwai. As the sitting MP steps down after more than a decade and a half of service, the constituency is now poised to witness new leadership.
The support of the Ashanti Regional Chairman and other key figures adds further weight to Lawyer Ralph’s candidacy, signaling strong backing from the party’s leadership.
With just a few months until the general elections, all eyes are on Bekwai as Lawyer Ralph prepares to carry forward the torch of development and progress for the constituency.