NPP, NDC Elect Candidates For Talensi

The New Patriotic Party has elected a 51-year-old accountant, Thomas Duanab Wuni, as the party’s parliamentary candidate for the July 7 Talensi constituency by-election in the Upper East Region.

Thomas Duanab, who was contesting for the first time, polled 182 votes out of the total of 399 votes cast.

A total of 418 delegates were expected to elect a candidate for the by-election.

The two other aspirants, Robert Ayinaba Alibi, polled 119 votes while William Zoogah garnered 96.

The two defeated aspirants, before the party’s delegates, national and regional executives and supporters, pledged to work with the candidate for the NPP to retain the seat.

Mr Thomas Duanab Wuni underscored, “We need to go to this by-election as a united family…that is the only way we can maintain the parliamentary seat for the New Patriotic Party on July 7. Even though I am the only one going to appear on the ballot paper, the three of us are all winners and have a responsibility to ensure victory for the NPP. The NDC is the one we need to fight and not work against our own party.” The National Organiser of the NPP, John Buadu, charged members of the party to start campaigning immediately.

“Please let us all start working now to get majority of the residents to understand our message of being a party that cares for Ghanaians and committed to improving the life of every Ghanaian, especially the rural and deprived people. Please let us forget who we campaigned for or against. All we need is victory for the NPP.” John Buadu pleaded.

Akua Donkor Chased
One funny side of the NPP primaries was the sudden appearance of Madam Akua Donkor of the Ghana Freedom Party, to the venue to campaign.

She appeared in a pick-up with a handful of people believed to be her executives. Some NPP supporters who could not stand what they described as a show of disrespect for the NPP, chased them out of the venue.

NDC Candidate
In a related development, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has elected Benson Tongo Baba for the July 7 by-election.

The NDC’s candidate, B.T. Baba, as he is affectionately called, polled 351 votes while his closest contender, the District Chief Executive for Talensi, Edward Awunnore, polled 265 votes. Others were Charles Bazimwomit Boazor, who polled 53 votes, James Atore, 5 votes and Rockson Aditibah, 3 votes.

Being a sportsman, Mr B. T. Baba said with the introduction of a Talensi Development Fund, he would work towards the development of women, sports in the constituency and support the education of all children in the area.

The Upper East Regional Minister, James Zuugah Tiigah, who was present, asked that no one should carry bad feelings into the campaign but rather support the candidate to win the seat for the NDC.

The Talensi seat became vacant following the resignation of the incumbent NPP MP as he had been installed chief of the area.

From: Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Bolgatanga
Caption: Mr. Benson Tongo Baba – NDC