By Isaac Arkoh
Assin Fosu (C/R), Dec 07, GNA – Any visitor would receive a cordial welcome to Assin Central, where Mr Kennedy Ohene Agyapong was the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), who has achieved a lot as MP for the area and the country as a whole. His birthplace is Assin-Dompim, a community in the Assin Central Constituency.
With just some few hours to the December 7 election, the inhabitants of this predominantly agrarian community are still contemplating which of the parliamentary candidates from various political parties can fit into Mr Agyepong’s enormous shoes, as he has voluntarily decided to step aside to pursue new endeavours.
A total of 52,441 voters in 110 voting centers (including special voters) are expected to cast their ballot in the constituency.
As one moves through the town of Assin Dompim, located approximately three kilometres from Assin Fosu, on a sunny Friday morning at around 0800 hours, there is a noticeable sense of political pride mingled with a tinge of loss among the locals.
Also in Assin Central, boasting a population of 88,753 individuals, comprising 43,549 males and 45,204 females, a palpable air of political uncertainty shows on the faces of many residents.
Sitting in front of her aged mud-brick dwelling, elevated about two meters above ground level at the edge of the road, a septuagenarian, Maame Adowa Manu-Ofori, expressed how Mr Agyapong had instilled a sense of pride in all the residents of Assin.
“We want an individual who embodies care and humanitarianism, much like Ken, as we fondly refer to, to carry on his benevolent deeds,” she remarked.
Mr Daniel Addo, who says he is a grassroots member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), admitted to never having cast his vote for Mr Agyapong.
Nevertheless, he holds in high regard the latter’s valour and philanthropic attributes, which have benefited numerous acquaintances and kins.
He acknowledged Mr Agyapong’s dedicated service to his constituents, spanning over 24 years, and his voluntary decision to step aside to allow fresh leadership for the area.
Mr Addo said: “We all take pride in his accomplishments, irrespective of our political affiliations.”
Stronghold of NPP
Across the constituency regarded as a stronghold of the NPP, Mr Agyapong’s political aura and calculated departure, triggered a competitive race among four male candidates in his party.
They were Obed Kumi Awuah, Eric Kwadwo Baidoo, Joseph Adjei-Banin, and Godfred Nti Anewu. The latter emerged victorious in the primary.
NDC’s Push
The NDC candidate, Neurine Migyimah, who contested unopposed, has intensified his campaign efforts, having gained over 40 percent in the 2020 election.
Mr Agyapong secured his seat with 19,754 votes, representing 57.3 percent of the total votes cast, marking his sixth consecutive term as member of parliament.
Kennedy’s vote decline
However, his electoral performance registered a decline from the 62.5 percent support garnered in 2016, reflecting a decrease of 5.2 percent in voter backing, a setback he found displeasing.
Mr Migyimah, the NDC candidate, garnered 14,747 votes, representing 42.7 percent of the votes, marking an increase of 5.8 percent from the previous election.
A suspension controversy erupted when Migyimah was allegedly accused of “unethical conduct” and raised concerns that the issue could impact negatively on the NDC’s electoral prospects in the constituency.
Protests from party members in Assin Central and threats to boycott the elections if he was not reinstated helped the verdict to be overturned in his favour.
Migyimah’s Strength
Mr Migyimah’s strength lies in his community engagement efforts and advocacy for youth involvement, encompassing development projects and social welfare services.
His active participation in community development initiatives and strong rapport with the youth, who are eager for change, have positioned him as a promising candidate for the constituency.
His community development projects have positively influenced the local economy by enhancing infrastructure and creating employment opportunities.
Initiatives such as the construction of the District Police Commander’s bungalow and the DVLA office have enhanced public services, fostered a conducive environment for business activities, while ongoing projects like street lighting and healthcare facilities are expected to bolster local commerce by improving safety and accessibility.
Anewu’s Divine calling
However, Mr Anewu attributes his victory in the primaries to a divine calling, professing that he is destined to lead the constituency as prophesied by his late mother.
His strong support within the party, following his victory in the primary, enhances his prospects in the upcoming general election with the constituency regarded as a stronghold of NPP.
Policies and Promises
Key policies and pledges by Mr Anewu focus on education, youth empowerment, and economic support for local enterprises.
He donated streetlights, sewing machines, hair dryers, carpentry tools, barbering equipment, an amount of GH¢300.000 to market women, four taxis for work and pay, and solar panels for some institutions, among other things.
He aims to invest in education by providing school supplies, renovating educational institutions, and supporting talented yet disadvantaged students.
Additionally, he plans to ensure regular health check-ups for teachers to safeguard their well-being.
His commitment extends to equipping youth with marketable skills, providing artisans with essential tools, and offering financial assistance to market women and business proprietors to facilitating business expansion.
Mr Anewu stresses the importance of collaboration and unity in advancing the development of the constituency.
In all, Mr Agyapong’s departure from the Assin Central constituency as the MP has substantially shifted the electoral landscape.
Within the next 24 hours, the results will determine whether the constituency remains firmly under NPP’s control or the NDC has managed to recapture it.
GNA