Abdul Ganiyu Mohammed, Aspiring NPP Western Regional Chairman
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Western Region successfully concluded the vetting of 30 aspirants who filed nominations for 11 regional executive positions, yesterday.
The vetting process took place following the close of nominations, paving the way for internal elections as the party reorganises for the 2028 general election.
Several high-profile members have vied for key slots, including the Regional Secretary position, which is keenly contested by the incumbent Okatakyie Amankwaa Afrifa, popularly called ‘OKT’, and a former Ellembelle District Chief Executive, Kwasi Bonzoh.
Meanwhile, in an interview after his vetting, Kwasi Bonzoh told journalists that a petition has been filed against him, adding that it was made known to him when he appeared before the vetting committee.
He, however, expressed optimism that the vetting committee will give him the go-ahead to contest the position.
The vetting exercise was overseen by the Western Regional NPP Elections Committee, chaired by Eugenia Gifty Kusi, former Member of Parliament (MP) for Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency.
The 30 aspirants who successfully went through the vetting process for the regional executive roles include Issah Fuseini, David Ackah Miezah and Emmanuel Essah Acquaah, who are contesting the Regional Communication Director position.
The Nasara Coordinator position is being contested by Alhaji Labib Imam Ali, the incumbent, and Alhaji Adam Harun Ahmed.
For the Youth Organiser position, four youth activists – Osagyefo Attiah Kwaw, Prince Kuntu Blankson, Frederick Kumah and Boadi Augustine Minlah are battling it out.
Two female stalwarts of the party, Augustina Nketsiah and Josephine Yaa Odoom are contesting the Women’s Organiser position.
Those contesting the Deputy Secretary position include Malik Halick Botchwey, Lawrence Kojo Appiah Takyi, Thomas Amoah and Anthony Annor.
For the Organiser position, the incumbent, Amoabeng Owusu Acheampong, is facing stiff opposition from two other party activists –Frederick Korankye and Simon Amoah.
James Kainyah Asiedu, also called ‘Jam Kay,’ and Nana Adjoa Appiah are contesting the Regional Treasurer position.
Abena Kwallah, a former Regional Women’s Organiser is contesting the Second Vice Chairmanship position with two others –Monica Buadu and Francis Abeiku Yankah.
Ignatius Asaah Mensah, a former District Chief Executive for Mpohor and James Obeng Jnr, former Essikado-Ketan Constituency Chairman, are contesting the First Vice Chairmanship position.
For the Regional Chairmanship position, a former Regional Organiser, Abdul Ganiyu Mohammed, Ignatius Kwasi Afrifa and Kwame Opare Addo are contesting.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi