Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
In a landslide victory, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has emerged as the clear winner from the Super Delegates Conference of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The conference, which saw the participation of 10 presidential aspirants, with delegates across the country, showcased the overwhelming support for Dr. Bawumia among party members.
With an astounding 629 votes, Dr. Bawumia secured a staggering 67.9% of the total votes, cementing his position as the frontrunner in the NPP’s presidential race. This victory not only highlights the popularity of Dr. Bawumia within the party but also places him in a strong position for the upcoming delegates’ elections in November.
Coming in second place was Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who garnered a respectable 132 votes, representing 14.3% of the total votes. Agyapong’s strong showing demonstrates his ability to rally support within the NPP, although he still falls significantly behind Dr. Bawumia.
Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen claimed the third position with 95 votes, representing 10.3% of the total votes. Kyerematen’s performance in the conference showcases his reduced influence within the party.
In fourth place is Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, who managed to secure 40 votes, representing 4.3% of the total votes. Although Akoto’s support is not as substantial as the top three aspirants, his presence in the conference signifies his commitment to the NPP and his determination to contribute to its success.
Rounding up the top five is Francis Addai Nimoh and Boakye Agyarko, who received 9 votes each, representing a mere 0.09% of the total votes. Despite his relatively low vote count, Nimoh’s participation in the conference reinforces the NPP’s commitment to an inclusive electoral process.
Unfortunately, Boakye Agyarko trailed behind with just 9 votes, also representing 0.09% of the total votes.
While Agyarko’s support was modest, it remains a testament to the diversity of perspectives within the NPP, emphasising the party’s dedication to democratic values.
With Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s resounding victory in the Super Delegates Conference, it is evident that he has established himself as the frontrunner and the favoured candidate of the NPP members.
The results reflect the confidence the party has in his leadership and his ability to lead them to victory in the upcoming general elections.
As the campaign season heats up, all eyes will be on Dr. Bawumia and his competitors as they strive to secure the NPP’s ticket for the highest office in the land.
Bawumia Speaks
In a bid to secure the win for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December 2024 presidential elections, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia called on the party leadership and presidential aspirants to remain unified.
Speaking to journalists at his residence, Dr. Bawumia after the elections expressed his appreciation for the party’s confidence in him, but stressed the importance of unity amongst the aspirants. He stated, “The main event is December 2024, and as we all work together, we have to keep in mind that what we are working towards is a win in December 2024.”
The Vice President emphasised that any disunity amongst the aspirants would scuttle the party’s chances of winning the 2024 presidential elections.
He called on the party’s leadership to put aside their differences and focus on winning the elections, saying, “This will require a lot of unity amongst ourselves and amongst all the flagbearer hopefuls. It is very important that as we go on this journey towards December 2024, we don’t have cracks in our ranks. We have to all work together and not destroy this very important unity that we have.”
As the NPP heads towards its presidential primaries in November, it is hoped that the call for unity will be heeded to by all aspirants to ensure a resounding win in the next presidential elections.
Agyarko, Addai-Nimoh Run-Off
Meanwhile, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) will hold a run-off on September 2, 2023 for former Mampong MP Francis Addai-Nimoh and former Energy Minister Boakye Kyeremanteng Agyarko.
This is as a result of the two candidates getting nine votes each in the Super Delegates Conference held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, which left them in a tie for Number 5 position.
Chair of the Elections Committee of the NPP, Rev. Prof Aaron Mike Oquaye, said “we had made all our regulations in totality looking at all relevant possibilities,” and added that a tiebreaker was nothing new.
Joe Ghartey, Others Out
In a surprising turn of events, a former Attorney-General, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, and Railways Development Minister, Joe Ghartey, as well as three other notable aspirants, Kwabena Agyei Agyepong, Kofi Konadu Apraku and Kwadwo Poku have all been eliminated from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential race.
The four candidates who qualified for the next stage of the race are Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, MP for Assin Central, Ken Agyapong, former Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyerematen, and former Agriculture Minister Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto. These presidential aspirants will go on to compete in the party’s primary scheduled to be held on November 4, 2023.
This latest development has strengthened the NPP presidential competition, with the remaining six candidates now vying to secure their place in the final round, but two of the candidates who had tied will have run-off Saturday, September 2, for one of the defeated to be dropped to allow five aspirants to contest the main primary on November 4.
As the race heats up, Ghanaians will no doubt be watching closely to see who comes out on top and becomes the official NPP presidential candidate for the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.
Appreciation
The NPP expressed its gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful execution of the election.
The collaborative efforts of individuals, organisations, and institutions such as the Presidential Elections Committee, the Electoral Commission, the Ghana Police Service, media partners, aspirants, delegates, supporters, and the wider public were appreciated.
The party also congratulated all aspirants and their supporters for their responsible conduct and adherence to the election guidelines, rules, and regulations.
The NPP said it remains steadfast in its commitment to democratic values, accountability, and the highest standards of conduct.
By Vincent Kubi & Ebenezer K. Amponsah