The governing New Patriotic Party’s Ashanti Regional executive elections are underway, with party leaders calling on all contestants to put the interest of the party above personal ambitions after the polls.
Thirty-four aspirants are contesting 11 executive positions, meaning 22 candidates will not secure the positions they seek.
Member of the Election Committee and Bosome Freho MP, Nana Ayeh Asafo-Adjei, says the losing candidates must remain committed to the party and make their experience and ideas available to the new leadership.
He also expects the elected executives to accommodate divergent views and tap into the expertise of their opponents.
“Those who will be elected will also have a big stomach to accommodate and tolerate all of them and their dissenting views.”
Nana Ayeh Asafo-Adjei says the election presents an opportunity for the party to inject new leadership, renewed hope and a refined vision into its Ashanti Regional administration.
His call for unity has been echoed by other party leaders.
Former Education Minister and Bosomtwe MP, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, urged the winners to reach out to those who lose and incorporate their ideas into the party’s agenda.
He says while individual candidates may emerge victorious, the ultimate winner must be the NPP.
Manhyia North MP, Akwasi Konadu, went further, insisting there should be no losers after the election.
He says all 34 aspirants have contributed to the party’s development and must unite behind a common objective of helping the NPP regain power in 2028.
“One person cannot do that. Neither two individuals, but all of us.”
For Oforikrom MP Michael Aidoo, the outcome of the election must not create divisions within the party.
He is urging delegates and contestants to conduct themselves responsibly, warning that careless comments could damage the party’s unity.
Mr Aidoo says both winners and losers must maintain the same energy and commitment shown during the campaign and work together towards the NPP’s return to power in 2028.
With the contest involving 11 positions and 34 aspirants, party leaders say the real test will begin after the ballots are counted when the winners and losers must set aside their differences and unite for the party’s next political battle.
The competition, according to party leaders, may produce winners and losers, but unity must produce victory for the party.
By Ibrahim Abubakar
