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24.04.2007 General News

Bekwai NPP delegates go for highest bidderMinister beats DVLA boss in Polls

24.04.2007 LISTEN
By Ghanaian Chronicle

THE HOPES of the Chief Executive Officer of the Driver Vehicle and Licensing Authority (DVLA), Mr. Joe Osei-Wusu, to become the next New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bekwai Constituency in Ashanti, crashed to the ground at the weekend when his men painfully lost all the nine positions during the constituency delegates' congress.

Concurrently, it also signifies an overwhelming victory for the incumbent MP, Mr. Kofi Adusei-Poku, who is the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment.

The Deputy Minister's team players: Messrs Atta Kwasi Snr, Chairman; Gyamfi Berimpong, First Vice Chairman; Atta Adusei, Second Vice Chairman; Joe Orchill, Secretary; Akwasi Agyapong, Asst. Secretary, Joseph Amankwah, Treasurer; Ebenezer Osei Kwadwo, Organizer; Mercy Karikari, Women Organizer and Nana Yaw Nketiah, Youth Organizer, swept the polls with greater margins to the chagrin of their opponents.

The DVLA Boss and his team, who beamed with joy and flamboyantly displayed their optimism of winning the election prior to its commencement, dashed out from the venue unannounced, even before the Electoral Officer could announce the results of the polls. Sensing doom and unpalatable outcome for his parliamentary ambition, Mr. Osei-Wusu and his men suddenly varnished into thin air and left his defeated chairman, Mr. Patrick Adu-Gyamfi, to his fate, possibly to avoid any disgrace and embarrassment.


Disappointing and painful as it was, Adu-Gyamfi, on behalf of his associates, courageously accepted the outcome of the polls and pledged their unflinching support to the elected group to ensure party unity and lasting peace. Their specially made posters, which carried their names and pictures and pasted on many of their vehicles were nowhere to be found after the polls.

The election follows an amicable out-of-court settlement of disputes and wrangling between opposing factions in the constituency by the Regional Executives of the NPP. Meanwhile, some party insiders told The Chronicle that sponsors of the two groups pumped so much money into the pockets of the delegates, who voted for the highest bidder.

It is believed that almost all the 138 delegates in the constituency received ¢5 million each, aside footing their camping bills and other side attractions. Non-delegates considered to be influential in the exercise had their share of the monies that went into the election.

Atta Kwasi Senior, who took the chairmanship slot, secured 84 votes to beat his rival Adu-Gyamfi who polled 53 votes. The election, manned by the District police personnel, was generally peaceful although some machomen were seen moving back and forth at the premises where the polls were held.

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