The Amansie South District Assembly in the Ashanti Region has failed to elect a Presiding Member after two consecutive rounds of voting, raising concerns about potential delays in administrative and development activities within the district.
The election, held at the District Assembly Auditorium at Manso Adubia, brought together traditional authorities, assembly members, staff of the Assembly, representatives from the Electoral Commission, and members of the media. The exercise was supervised by the Electoral Commission officer, Mr. Eric Anane, with additional oversight from a representative, Mr. Awudu Yahaya.
Prior to the commencement of voting, the outgoing Presiding Member, Hon. Samuel Amponsah, popularly known as “Home Boy,” appealed to members to ensure a decisive outcome, urging them to secure a “one-touch” victory for any of the contestants to avoid unnecessary delays. Despite his appeal, the Assembly was unable to reach the required threshold to elect a new Presiding Member.
Two candidates contested the position: Hon. Augustine Fosu Asamoah Assembly member for Apɛnamadi electoral area and Mr . Edward Amo Assembly Member for Abiram electoral area.
In the first round of voting, Hon. Augustine Fosu Asamoah secured 19 votes, while Mr. Edward Amo obtained 18 votes out of a total of 40 expected votes. Two assembly members were absent, reducing the total number of votes cast. However, neither candidate met the constitutionally required two-thirds majority needed to be elected.
A second round of voting yielded the same outcome, with Hon. Augustine Fosu Asamoah again polling 19 votes and Mr. Edward Amo receiving 18 votes, resulting in another deadlock.
Following the inconclusive results, the Electoral Commission has officially rescheduled the election to take place in ten days’ time, in accordance with electoral procedures governing such impasses.
Speaking to the media after the exercise, the District Chief Executive for Amansie South, Hon. Benjamin Marfo, expressed concern over the development but noted that such situations are not unprecedented. He cited a similar occurrence in the neighboring Manso Nkwanta District, where a Presiding Member was eventually elected after initial setbacks.
Hon. Marfo emphasized the critical role of a Presiding Member in the functioning of the Assembly, warning that the absence of one could stall official meetings and negatively impact development initiatives within the district.
“An Assembly without a Presiding Member cannot effectively conduct its business. This situation, if prolonged, will affect time management, finances, meetings, and ultimately the development of the district,” he stated.
He, however, expressed optimism that consensus would be reached during the next sitting. “I strongly believe that in the next ten days, we will be able to elect a Presiding Member to move the district forward,” he added.
Some Assembly members and the two contestants also shared their disappointment over the outcome, describing the situation as unfortunate but not insurmountable. They pledged to engage further with colleagues and work towards achieving a successful election in the next round.
The Assembly now looks ahead to the rescheduled election, with hopes that members will reach the required consensus to elect a Presiding Member and restore full functionality to the district’s governance structure.
