The 2024 Presidential and Parliamentary elections are on the horizon, and there’s a flurry of political activity across the Western Region.
Candidates of the various contesting political parties, especially the NDC and NPP are making a final, and perhaps desperate, last-minute push to sway the electorate with promises of a desirable future.
While some candidates are breaking ground for new projects, others are either commissioning completed ones or staging “final push” political rallies in their respective constituencies. Some also prefer to work quietly, letting the results speak after the ballots are counted.
The New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Essikadu-Ketan, Charles Cromwell Nanabanyin Onuawonto, has released a poster announcing a “final rally” on Wednesday, December 4, which will feature the Member of Parliament, Joe Ghartey.
On the other hand, the National Democratic Congress’ (NDC) Parliamentary Candidate, Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah, recently led a walk that reportedly saw “thousands pouring onto the streets” in a jubilant display, declaring, “Essikadu-Ketan is in the bag.”
In the Evalue Gwira Ajomoro Constituency, the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate and incumbent Member of Parliament, Kofi Arko Nokoe, will commission a maternity ward at Ewoku on Tuesday, December 3.
Close associates of former MP Catherine Afeku, who is staging a comeback, described their approach to the Western Region Ghana Journalist Association as akin to a “submarine,” emphasizing that “good beads don’t rattle.” They insist their focus remains firmly on the ultimate “prize.”
The Sekondi Constituency has witnessed intense political activity in recent days, best fit as the plot of a Hollywood blockbuster. Never before has the parliamentary election been so charged, characterized by simultaneous health walks and back-to-back music festivals.
The NPP’s Parliamentary Candidate and incumbent MP, Andrew Egyapa Mercer, over the weekend sent machinery to rehabilitate roads in Sekondi Zongo. Earlier, he commissioned a health facility at Adiembra, broke ground for a new Astroturf at Ekuase, and promised another at Nkotompo.
Meanwhile, his challenger, the NDC’s Lawyer Blay Armah, has adopted an interactive approach, regularly engaging with constituents. His initiative of providing interest-free loans to traders could become a “silver bullet” in the race.
Several radio stations in Sekondi-Takoradi have also lined up interviews with political “heavyweights,” including individuals who rarely grant media interviews but now recognize the need.
Perhaps the “crown jewel” of these last-minute political activities will be the commissioning of one of the Agenda 111 Hospitals at Bokro in the Ahanta West District by President Akufo-Addo.
