Political analysts say the next NPP parliamentary candidate in the Asante Akim South Constituency must prioritise reconciliation, grassroots engagement and the rebuilding of party unity.
The political landscape in the Asante Akim South Constituency is increasingly drawing attention ahead of the next New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries, with growing discussions about the need for a candidate capable of uniting the party following divisions that have characterised its recent political history.
The constituency has experienced internal wranglings, especially following the previous parliamentary primaries, which exposed competing interests and strained relationships among sections of the party’s grassroots supporters.
The divisions have raised concerns about the party’s internal cohesion and its ability to consolidate electoral support ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Against this background, Eric Amofa, a former parliamentary aspirant and community development advocate, is positioning himself as a potential unifying alternative.
The political disagreements involving supporters of the incumbent Member of Parliament and those aligned with other parliamentary aspirants have remained an important subject of discussion within the constituency.
There have also been allegations that some supporters of unsuccessful aspirants engaged in skirt-and-blouse campaigning during the 2024 general elections. These claims, which require independent verification, have contributed to discussions about party discipline and the consequences of unresolved internal disagreements.
The emerging concern is that the next parliamentary candidate must be someone capable of rebuilding relationships across political divides rather than deepening existing divisions.
Eric Amofa’s potential appeal lies in his positioning as a candidate seeking to build relationships across the different political camps.
His supporters point to his community engagement, educational interventions, and professional background as important qualities that distinguish his political approach.
Through the EKAJ Educational Fund, Amofa has supported educational initiatives, including scholarships, the distribution of educational materials, restoration of 25 broken boreholes in rural communities and assistance to underserved communities.
His professional experience in social work, international banking and finance, as well as community development and social safeguard, provides a foundation for his development-oriented political vision.
His message of Unity, Development, and Dedicated Service appears particularly relevant to a constituency seeking to overcome internal political disagreements.
For Amofa, the challenge and opportunity are to translate his community engagement into broader political acceptance and demonstrate that he can work with party members irrespective of their previous factional affiliations.
Bice Obour remains an important political figure in the constituency, having established a considerable delegate following during the previous parliamentary primaries.
However, the forthcoming contest presents an important leadership test for all aspirants: their ability to demonstrate that they can unite the party and command confidence beyond their established political support bases.
Obour’s supporters can point to his previous delegate performance and his public expression of support for party unity following the 2024 primaries.
Nevertheless, the wider political discussion is increasingly focused on which aspirant can most efficiently overcome the legacy of factional competition and establish a new basis for cooperation.
The question is, therefore, not simply who has the stronger political following, but who can provide the most inclusive leadership.
Another issue attraction, attention is the perceived neutrality of the constituency’s internal party structures.
Some supporters of Amofa have expressed serious concern about alleged partisan conduct by sections of the constituency executive,saying that internal party structures should provide equal opportunities for all aspirants.
The credibility of the forthcoming primaries will depend partly on the ability of party structures to maintain fairness,transparency, and confidence among various candidates and their supporters.
Beyond the parliamentary primaries, the NPP faces the broader responsibility of rebuilding of electoral fortunes in Asante Akim South Constituency.
The party’s next parliamentary candidate will need to appear not only to NPP delegates, but also floating voters, party supporters, and the community members.
This makes reconciliation,accessibility,development oriented leadership, and electoral appeal essential considerations.
Eric Amofa’s development activities and stated commitment to inclusive leadership provide a platform on which he could build such an appeal.
But his ability to translate these credentials into measurable delegate support will be a critical factor.
The debate in Asante Akim South Constituency presents a factional question for the NPP: should the next parliamentary candidate be selected primarily on established factional loyalty, or should greater emphasis be placed on the capacity to unite the party and rebuild its relationship with the electorates?
Eric Amofa is making a case for that approach.
His potential strength lies in his development-oriented profile, community engagement and opportunity to appeal across existing political divisions.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the party delegates.
Their choice will not only determine who leads the NPP into the 2028 general elections in Asante Akim South Constituency but will also shape the future direction of party unity and political organisation in the constituency.
The Asante Akim South Constituency needs more than another parliamentary candidate. It needs a leader capable of bringing the party together again.
By Benjamin Aidoo
