Kwasi Bonzoh unseats incumbent Western Regional NPP secretary

Former Ellembelle District Chief Executive (DCE), Mr Kwasi Bonzoh, has unseated the incumbent Western Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Okatakyie Amankwah Afrifa, in a keenly contested regional executive election held at Agona Nkwanta, the capital of the Ahanta West Municipality.

Mr Bonzoh secured 211 votes against Mr Afrifa’s 157 votes to emerge victorious in the election held on Saturday.

The victory came after a controversial vetting process in which Mr Bonzoh was initially disqualified by the regional vetting committee for allegedly lacking the requisite first-degree certificate. His disqualification was subsequently affirmed by the appeals committee.

Following the declaration of the results, jubilant party supporters chanted “34K, 34K, 34K” and carried Mr Bonzoh shoulder-high in celebration.

Some supporters commended the delegates for electing Mr Bonzoh, describing him as a dynamic and experienced leader capable of helping the party reclaim power from the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).

They cited his experience as the NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Ellembelle Constituency for four consecutive terms, arguing that he possessed the requisite political knowledge and experience to serve effectively as Regional Secretary.

Other supporters, however, expressed displeasure with the regional vetting and appeals committees for disqualifying Mr Bonzoh from the contest.

Unity of purpose
But speaking to journalists shortly after the election, Mr Bonzoh said he held no grudge against the committees, stressing that he believed his victory was ultimately determined by God.

He expressed gratitude to God, the delegates, his campaign team and supporters for the confidence reposed in him.

Mr Bonzoh said the immediate priority following the election was to unite the party and work collectively to reclaim parliamentary seats lost by the NPP in the Western Region.

He pledged that the new regional executive would work to recapture at least 11 of the party’s lost parliamentary seats in the region, urging the NDC to brace itself for a strong political contest.

Other winners
Mr Ignatius Kwasi Afrifa won the regional chairmanship position with 265 votes, defeating his sole contender, Mr Abdul Ganiyu Mohammed, who polled 102 votes.

Former Mpohor DCE, Mr Ignatius Asaah-Mensah, secured 205 votes to become First Vice Chairman, while Mr Francis Abeku Yankah emerged as Second Vice Chairman.

Madam Nana Adjoa Appiah won the treasurer position, defeating Mr James Kainyaiah Aseidu, while Mr Amoabeng Owusu Acheampong retained his position as Regional Organiser.

Mr Lawrence Kojo Appiah was elected Deputy Secretary, with Madam Augustina Nketsiah winning the Women's Organiser position and Osagyefo Attiah Kwaw becoming Youth Organiser.

The incumbent Regional Communications Director, Mr Issah Fusseini, lost his position to Mr Emmanuel Acquaah Essah, while the incumbent Nassara Organiser, Alhaji Labib Imam Ali, was defeated by Mr Adam Harun Ahmed.

A total of 376 delegates voted, with one ballot rejected. The election was described as peaceful and orderly, with no major incidents recorded.

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