Kennedy Agyapong, a lawmaker from Assin Central, lashed out at those who claim he lacks the qualifications to be a presidential candidate for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The rebellious member of parliament is among those who have proclaimed their intention to run for the NPP presidential nomination ahead of the 2024 elections.
Despite being a dedicated NPP member, some believe he is not qualified for the position.
Kennedy Agyapong, addressing party delegates in Koforidua, boasted about his dedication and accomplishments for the NPP, indicating that he has been loyal to the party even during difficult times.
"I have really suffered for the party, I have done a great deal for the party, and I have expended a great deal of my money on numerous NPP activities. I purchased pickup trucks for party members' 2016 campaign. In 2012, I courageously stood and spoke out against the brutality meted out to Ursula Owusu, Abu Jinapor, and others by NDC members at registration centres in Odododidoo. Who can claim to have defended the NPP on his radio station more than I?"
"Everyone was silent after we lost the 2008 elections, but I did some outdoor programs on Oman FM to encourage NPP members not to give up. Today, they assert that I am not presidential material; however, what exactly is presidential material? "Is a candidate for the presidency someone who speaks good English but does not care about the youth?"
He urged the delegates to vote for a presidential candidate who has a track record of success and can keep the NPP in office in 2024.
"My advice to all the delegates is to make the best decision possible when voting for the party's presidential candidate. You will endure the consequences if you make poor decisions that lead the party to the opposition. During the primaries, avoid electing just any candidate. "I will use the small amount of money I have for myself until I die and not spend it on party members," he said.
The NPP has scheduled its presidential primaries for November 4, 2023, in order to select a candidate for the general elections in 2024.
According to the party, a Special Congress will be convened on August 26 if more than five candidates file to compete in the primaries.
The nomination period for the presidential primaries will run from May 26 to June 24, 2023, whereas the parliamentary primaries will take place in February 2024.
Between December 20, 2023 and January 4, 2024, nominations will be accepted, meaning the party will select its Presidential Candidate before its parliamentary candidates.
In addition, the National Council has prohibited National, Regional, and Constituency Party Executives as well as MMDCEs from running for office in constituencies where the party already has sitting Members of Parliament.