As of last Friday, the race for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) chairmanship in the Asokwa constituency has intensified, with four prominent figures officially declaring their intent to contest.
While the chairmanship takes center stage, a high-stakes duel is also brewing for the Secretary position.
Chairmanship Contenders:
The race features a mix of veteran leadership and ambitious challengers, each bringing a different pedigree to the table:
Benjamin Fosu Nkromah:
The incumbent chairman is seeking a third term to consolidate his leadership.
Frank Agyei Darko:
A former 2nd Vice Chairman and Financial Secretary with over 30 years of experience ranging from polling station executive to Special Assistant to the Asokwa MP, Mr Darko is positioning himself as the most seasoned alternative to the incumbent.
Richard Osei Karikari (KK/Fapem):
A veteran grassroots organizer and former three-term electoral area coordinator for Dompoase-Fabi.
Oscar Riches (Ghana B3y3yie):
A well-known local figure and incumbent three-term Assembly Member for Asokwa New Town.
Political Dynamics; The Flagbearer Factor”:
The recent national flagbearer elections appear to be casting a long shadow over the local race.
Political analysts suggest that loyalties are splitting along previous campaign lines:
Candidate Support Base / Alignment:
Benjamin Fosu Nkroma, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia loyalist.
Richard Osei Karikari, Kennedy Agyapong supporter.
Frank Agyei Darko, independent / Neutral.
Oscar Riches, Independent / Neutral.
Despite these leanings, the Asokwa delegates are notoriously unpredictable.
Local sentiment suggests that the electorate may prioritize individual merit and local track records over flag-bearer affiliations.
The Secretarial Race:
A Two-Horse Duel
The contest for Constituency Secretary has narrowed down to a “straight fight” between two distinct profiles:
Felix Appiah:
The two-term incumbent Treasurer and Christian Service University alumnus.
Appiah enters the race with a reputation for strong organizational skills and deep administrative experience.
Samuel Kyei:
The current Constituency Research Officer and protégé of the incumbent Chairman.
Kyei is leveraging his four-year tenure and his youth-driven energy to mount a serious challenge.
Clash of Loyalties:
Mirroring the chairmanship race, the secretarial candidates were also split in their recent national preferences.
Appiah served as a coordinator for the Bryan Acheampong team, while Kyei was firmly identified with the Bawumia camp.
Looking Ahead
As the Asokwa NPP prepares for the polls, the internal friction between experience and “new blood” remains the central theme.
Stay tuned for further analysis as we profile the candidates vying for other executive positions in the coming days.
Story By Michael Ofosu-Afriyie,Kumasi
