[ 2015-03-31 ]

Big Boys Join NPP Race
Some interesting but ‘big' names are popping up
as likely contestants in the upcoming
parliamentary primaries of the opposition New
Patriotic Party (NPP).

They include the names of George Andah, former
Chief Operating Officer of Glo Ghana and a leading
member of pressure group, OccupyGhana.

The rest include lawyer Phillip Addison, one of
the lead counsel for the NPP in the 2012 Election
Petition and his colleague Egbert Faibille Jnr,
journalist Kenneth Adjei Kuranchie, who is the
Managing Editor of the 'Daily Searchlight'
newspaper, former host of Joy FM's 'Super Morning
Show', Kojo Oppong Nkrumah and former TV anchor,
Gifty Anti of Ghana Television (GTV).

With the exception of Lawyer Philip Addison, who
has openly shown interest and started campaigning,
the rest have not declared their intentions
publicly, even though they are all said to be
nursing the ambition to become MPs on the ticket
of the NPP.

In the case of George Andah, he has not only
expressed interest but indeed confirmed his
intention to contest the Ewutu Senya West
parliamentary primary.

The seat is currently occupied by the Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Madam Hannah Tetteh.

His candidature was given a tacit endorsement by
OccupyGhana yesterday when news of his decision
went public, with a statement saying, "OccupyGhana
is equally satisfied and excited that George has
decided to take his rare qualities another step;
this time into mainstream politics to occupy
Parliament in order to help change the dwindling
fortunes of this country."v

For them, "Ghana is richer for a person like him
making a sacrifice of leadership. Who is better
placed to help Ghana work, than one of our own in
the forefront? People like George make us believe
Ghana will work again."

They therefore see it as "a blessing because we
believe this gives him the opportunity to have
direct influence in making sure Ghana works. We
believe that as a member of OccupyGhana, George
will be guided by the ethics, principles, values
and qualities of OccupyGhana and make a
significant, positive impact that will make Ghana
work. Indeed, we promise George that as a member
of OccupyGhana, we shall hold him to that task."

Lawyer Addison is facing stiff opposition from
young Nii Noi Nortey who resigned his position as
constituency chairman for Klottey Korley sometime
last week to enable him contest in the upcoming
primary.

Lawyer Egbert Faibille Jnr, who happens to be the
former Editor-in-Chief of the 'Ghanaian Observer'
newspaper, is also said to be monitoring closely
developments in the NPP and would stick his neck
out to contest the Weija/Gbawe constituency
primary if the party sets aside its earlier
decision to disallow men from contesting any of
their 16 incumbent female Members of Parliament
(MP) in the upcoming primary scheduled for May 24,
2015.

The seat is currently occupied by Madam Rosemond
Comfort Abrah who became MP in the last elections
held in 2012.

Also lurking in the shadows is journalist Kenneth
Adjei Kuranchie who is said to be seriously
gearing up to contest in the Okaikoi North
constituency primary of the NPP; all things being
equal.

It is not clear if MP for the area, Elizabeth
Sackey, third time even though that option still
remains open.

The name of Kojo Oppong Nkrumah has also emerged
as likely to contest in Ofoase-Ayirebi on the
ticket of the NPP.

He resigned as host of Joy FM's flagship programme
sometime last year to do his own business and has
since remained underground for some time with few
public appearances.

The young man is said to be enjoying a lot of
support on the ground and is likely to unsettle
incumbent MP for the area, David Oppon-Kusi, if he
indeed decides to run for the position.

Even though not much is known about her political
ambitions, sources have also said Madam Gifty Anti
is likely to contest in the primary of Ajumako
constituency.

That however awaits a declaration of intent to
confirm the growing speculation.

Source - Daily Guide

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