A scene from the event
The much awaited constituency elections of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ellembelle, Western Region – which was saddled with court injunctions – finally came off last Wednesday at the hall of the Nzema East Municipal Assembly, Axim.
Armed police officers were seen stationed at vantage points to maintain law and order during the exercise.
In all, 632 delegates voted for 24 candidates who contested for the 10 available positions in the constituency.
The elections were supervised by Stephen Aidoo, district director of the Electoral Commission (EC).
Samuel Akainyah, popularly known as Atito, has maintained his seat as the constituency chairman of the party. He poled 314 votes to beat his closest contender, Samuel Asmah, who had 282 votes. The third contender, Isaac Menla, also garnered 33.
The first vice chairman position went to Sampson Ndoli who polled 327 votes; Bright Erzah (incumbent) had 282 votes and Eunice Tumi had 27.
James Cobbinah was elected the 2nd vice chairman with 331 votes as against Ebenezer Kofi Armoo’s 303 ballots.
The incumbent secretary, John Nwolley, retained his position. He had 322 votes as against his main contender, Abeka Duadu’s 311.
Francis Appeni had 333 votes to become the assistant secretary, beating Joshua Dadzie, who obtained 301 votes.
The organiser position was won by the incumbent, Stephen Donkor, with 301 ballots. Osman Idris Ackah had 298.
The women organiser slot went to the incumbent, Benedicta Bervel, with 302 votes. Lydia Ewusie polled 301 votes while Madam Sophia Obeng managed 31.
The incumbent youth organiser, Bismark Kojo Arizie, retained his position with 322 votes as against Emmanuel Kwakye’s 311.
Abdulai Osman Abeka polled 330 votes to beat the incumbent Nasara cordinator, Essuman Tahiru. He polled 301 votes.
The treasurer slot went to no candidate because the two people who contested failed to secure the majority of the votes. Joana Dukeson had 317 votes and John Ackah Nyane also polled 317.
The elected constituency chairman, Samuel Akainyah, pledged to work with all party members to snatch the Ellembelle seat from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“My topmost priority is to work hard with the party members to win the Ellembelle seat for the first time,” he emphasized.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi