NPP Primaries: Voting Begins In Kumasi Amidst Tight Security

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries in the hotly-contested Bantama Constituency in the Kumasi Metropolis, has taken off smoothly amidst tight security.

The Constituency considered as one of the flashpoints in the Ashanti Region, has more than 500 delegates voting in the 10 designated electoral areas under the supervision of the Electoral Commission (EC).

When the Ghana News Agency (GNA) visited some of the electoral areas, the atmosphere was that of tranquility and orderliness as the delegates underwent the processes to cast their ballots.

They included; Bohyen One, Kokoso-Asubonteng, Abrepo-Junction, North Suntreso and Ahenbronum electoral areas.

In adherence to the COVID-19 preventive protocols, all the delegates were in nose masks, while observing social distancing and the requisite personal hygiene.

The incumbent Bantama Member of Parliamentary (MP), Mr. Daniel Okyem Aboagye, is competing with Mr. Francis Asenso Boakye, a Deputy Chief of Staff at the Presidency, for the mandate of the delegates.

Tension built up prior to the primaries with accusations from the various contesting camps relating to the virtual 'hijacking' of some of the delegates and alleged attempts to tamper with the voters' album.

The heavily armed police personnel on duty were not taking chances, ensuring that the polls were conducted peacefully.

At the Oforikrom Constituency, all the 15 electoral areas had commenced voting as at 0800 hours with strict adherence to the COVID-19 preventive protocols.

Two candidates, Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, the incumbent MP, and Dr. Adu Amankwaa, are contesting for the mandate of the delegates.

When GNA visited the Nhyiaeso Constituency, voting had started smoothly in all the electoral areas, as the two contestants Mr. Kennedy Kankam, the incumbent MP, and Mr. Stephen Amoah, were going round to observe proceedings.

---GNA