To arrive at the modalities sanctioned by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Saturday’s presidential primary, the Eastern Regional Campaign Team of Kennedy Agyapong has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to as a matter of urgency meet all representatives of the four aspirants to verify the region’s voter album.
The team says it wants the EC and the Police to conduct the review with them, together with representatives of the various aspirants for a fruitful exercise tomorrow.
According to the team, the meeting should have taken place long time after drawing the EC’s attention to that effect.
A Deputy Communications Director for Ken Agyapong’s team in the Eastern region says they are familiar with the album and know those have have passed on and travelled since they reside with them. However, they want to know the proxy list so they can verify with the photo album.
“We have the album that most constituencies use, especially in electing their executives, and that is what the national executives are going to provide. We have both the soft copy and hard copy. We’ve thoroughly examined it. We are familiar with the individuals who have travelled and those who are deceased because we live among them. Currently, we are waiting for the proxy list. So, we simply want to verify the list, complete with pictures and all.”
“We went to the EC office to inform them that we already have our album and are awaiting their copy. They informed us that they haven’t received any copy at this time… The EC should take the necessary steps so that all stakeholders can finalize the preparations,” he told Accra-based Citi News.
He noted however, that, although they have been trained as agents for the exercise, other individuals will be on standby to support them if the need be, and ensure that they adhere to all the modalities.
Other agents who spoke indicate they are going to monitor the process with eagle’s eye to ensure nobody is intimidated by the MPs and ministers who have openly declared their support for a particular candidate.
The NPP is gearing up for its presidential primary on Saturday, November 4, 2023.
The four aspirants contesting the flag bearer position have signed an undertaking not to resign from the party if any of them loses the primary on Saturday.
The decision was reached at a meeting between the National Council of Elders and the aspirants.
Dr. Bawumia is the front-runner in the race, but faces stiff competition from Assin Central MP, Kennedy Ohene Agyapong.
A recent poll by the Institute of Research, Innovation & Development at Kumasi Technical University found that Bawumia stands a greater chance of winning the race, as he will most likely secure an overwhelming victory in eight regions.
The poll found that 71.1% of NPP delegates believe that Bawumia has a higher chance of breaking the eight-year cycle, while 26.8% of them stated that Kennedy Agyapong stands a better chance.
The other two contestants are former Agriculture Minister, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, and former MP for Mampong, Francis Addai-Nimoh.
