Samuel Atta Akyea
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is experiencing significant shifts in its parliamentary primaries as influential incumbents MPs announce their decisions not to seek re-election in the upcoming elections.
One of the notable departures is that of Daniel Kwaku Botwe, the Member of Parliament for Okere in the Eastern Region and Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Decentralisation.
Botwe, a former general secretary of the NPP, is renowned for his dynamic and progressive leadership within the party.
However, he has officially declared that he will not be seeking re-election. Citing personal reasons for his departure, this decision has left constituents eagerly waiting for a new representative.
Joining the list of noteworthy potential retirees is Samuel Atta Akyea, the MP for Abuakwa South in the Eastern region who succeeded President Akufo-Addo when he quit parliamentary duties.
Atta Akyea, a prominent figure in legislative affairs, has chosen not to contest again, indicating a significant shift in the party’s dynamics.
Atta Akyea succeeded President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in 2008 and has served for four terms in Abuakwa North, namely 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020. Prior to Atta-Akyea’s tenure, President Akufo-Addo had also represented the area for three terms, namely 1996, 2000, and 2004. It is worth mentioning that in 1992, President Akufo-Addo was the NPP’s candidate for the area; however, the party boycotted the parliamentary elections that year.
Also in there are indications that the longest serving MP in the majority bench, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu who represent the people Suame may not be seeking reelection like Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, MP for Assin Central, Joe Osei Owusu, first deputy Speaker and MP for Bekwai and KT Hammond, Minister of Trade and Industry and MP for Adansi Asokwa.
Moreover, there are indications that Francisca Oteng, the MP for Kwabre East, might also opt not to seek re-election. Oteng, a young and emerging leader within the NPP, has garnered attention during her two term in office.
These changes in the NPP’s parliamentary frontline have generated intrigue and speculation among party members and constituents alike.
As seasoned incumbents step aside, opportunities emerge for new faces and aspiring candidates to enter the political arena and stake their claim for the party ticket.
By Vincent Kubi