Andrew Okaikoi Joins NDC race

Andrew Okaikoi
Credible information gathered by DAILY GUIDE indicates that the husband of former Information Minister, Zita Okaikoi, Andrew Okaikoi, is lacing his boots to join the hot race for the chairmanship position of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Greater Accra Region.

Mr Okaikoi is the former Chairman of the Disability Council.

So far, businessman Henry Manly-Spain and former Municipal Chief Executive of Ledzokuku Krowor, Daniel Nii Amartey Mensah, and one Stephen Akwetey, Krowor NDC Chairman, have expressed interest in the position which is currently occupied by incumbent Chairman, Ade Coker. This is reportedly causing him sleepless nights.

Sources have hinted that some newly elected Greater Accra constituency executives of the NDC, Members of Parliament, top NDC gurus and certain key figures at the presidency are pushing for Andrew Okaikoi to contest for the position, even though he would not confirm or deny the story.

'Andrew's sacrifice in the region is unrivalled. He has shown great dedication to the party's course, even at a time he was badly treated during his campaign to become an MP,' one of those pushing the agenda told the paper.

Andrew Okaikoi is a native of Ga Mashie, James Town, with an ability to communicate in Krobo, Ada, Twi, Fante, Hausa and other local languages, including his mother-tongue, Ga.

He is therefore considered by those urging him to contest for the position as versatile and a good communicator.

Even though he would not confirm the speculation, there are strong indications that he may succumb to the pressure anytime soon.

There is already an intensive campaign from the inner circle of the NDC to remove Ade Coker as Regional Chairman.

This campaign is being partly led by Ablekuma Central, especially its Member of Parliament (MP), Theophilus Tetteh-Chai, who wants Ade Coker out at all cost, including putting his position on the line.

If the signals and feelings within the party's grassroots are anything to go by, Ade Coker seems to have an uphill task on hand.

At the heels of the discontent within the rank and file of the NDC, concerning the Greater Accra chairmanship position, is a growing school of thought that Ade Coker is losing popularity within the grassroots. Allegations of corruption have characterised his reign.

The race for the Greater Accra regional chairmanship position therefore promises to be interesting.

By Charles Takyi-Boadu