Since the Kumawu Constituency has been vacant since the passing of MP Philip Basoah, political parties have been busy electing or announcing their respective candidates in preparation for the by-election scheduled for May 23, 2023.
The elections, which some observers believe will be an evaluation of the government or the opposition's acceptance of change, are gaining momentum as the electorate experiences the heat of political activities.
A fortnight ago, roads in the constituency were being repaired, stalled projects were being given new life, and promises were being made left, right, and center in an effort to attract the electorate.
As is customary in Ghana, the declaration of election results on election day will determine the efficiency levels of the political parties, each of which predicts victory.
Kwasi Amankwa-NDC
Kwasi Amankwa, also known as "Tom Cee," is the opposition National Democratic Congress' (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the May 23, 2023 by-election to be conducted in the Kumawu Constituency of the Ashanti region.
Kwasi Amankwa is the nephew of NDC presidential candidate aspirant Dr. Kwabena Duffuor. Although he is relatively obscure to political observers from outside the region, he is a popular figure on the grounds. He has multiple commercial interests and mining industry experience. He also resided abroad. In addition, he is the grandson of the late Member of Parliament (MP) for Kumawu, Philip Atta Basoah.
Ernest Yaw Anim -NPP
Ernest Yaw Anim, a failed District Chief Executive(DCE) candidate, is running as the New Parliamentary Candidate for the governing New Patriotic Party(NPP). He was the principal accountant at Vanguard Properties Development, Ghana, and a chartered accountant by profession. He previously held a number of positions at Vanguard, including Financial Controller, where he oversaw an annual budget of over $4 million for four separate initiatives.
Before joining Vanguard, Mr. Anim worked as an Account Officer for the Millennium Development Authority in Ghana.
He has also served as Nobisfields' Assistant Manager, Tax Services. He was a graduate assistant in the Economics Department at Ohio University and possesses the following credentials:
Master of Financial Economics from Ohio University, Professional Accounting Certificate from ACCA, and Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Cape Coast. He is an Association of Certified Public Accountants (ACCA) member.
Nana Kwaku Duah-INDEPENDENT CANDIDATE
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has described Nana Kwaku Duah as a candidate backed by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) to detract from the NPP's victory. He was a dedicated member of the NPP, but he believes that the party has not done enough for the constituency to merit their ballots. The wealthy businessman quit the NPP to run against the NPP candidate in the 2020 election, garnering 1,1698 votes to Philip Basoah's 14,960 votes.
Mr. Duah is also the nephew of Barimah Twenebaa Koduah, the paramount chief of Kumawu.
The Electoral Commission has scheduled the 2nd through 5th of May 2023 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day to accept nominations of candidates at its Kumawu District Office.