Akufo-Addo's former counsel Kow Essuman eyes Ablekuma West parliamentary seat

Former Legal Counsel to ex-President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Kow Essuman, has declared his intention to contest the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primary in the Ablekuma West Constituency ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Essuman announced his decision in a social media post on Saturday, November 7, coinciding with his birthday.

He disclosed that he had formally submitted his Expression of Interest to contest the party's parliamentary primary in the constituency.

"Today, on my birthday - 7 November (7/11) at 7:11am, I submitted my Expression of Interest to contest the NPP parliamentary primary in Ablekuma West," he stated.

Essuman said the decision followed consultations with party members, his family and prayers, adding that he would respect the party's guidelines for the selection process.

"This decision follows broad consultation within the Party, with my family, and in prayer before God," he added.

He further indicated that he would await the party's timetable and guidelines for the next stages of the process.

His declaration comes after the NPP opened its online portal for prospective parliamentary aspirants to formally express interest in contesting the party's primaries ahead of the 2028 elections.

The application window opened on November 1 and is expected to close on November 10, with interested party members required to pay a non-refundable fee of GH¢5,000.

The party has explained that the declaration of interest is the first stage of a new candidate selection process designed to assess the eligibility of prospective parliamentary candidates, including incumbent MPs and new aspirants.

NPP General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong said applicants would be required to complete an online application form through the party's designated portal and undergo vetting and screening to establish whether they meet the requirements of the party's constitution and Ghana's electoral laws.

The party has also scheduled capacity-building workshops for prospective parliamentary candidates in December 2026.

Meanwhile, the NPP has cautioned prospective aspirants, their agents and supporters against engaging in campaign activities, stressing that the existing suspension of such activities remains in force.

The party has clarified that submitting an Expression of Interest does not constitute the formal opening of nominations or authorise aspirants to begin campaigning in their constituencies.