The political atmosphere in Kwesimintsim is a charged one. Just this Sunday as I walk through the town, I run into a lot of political party supporters going for “keep fits” with brass bands accompanied by loud speakers on vans and pick-ups. The streets are decorated with party flags and giant billboards of both parliamentary and presidential candidates signalling that the people are poised and ready for action come December 7 2016. Political fever is an incurable one and the only prescribed medicine for this fever is a convincing victory for whoever that may emerge the winner eventually.
This year’s parliamentary elections is a CONTEST FOR 5 AHANTAS AFFAIRS from Kwesimintsim and that is a good one. The Ahantas are rising and filling the political spaces and that will serve as inspiration and motivation for young Ahantas who would want to go into politics in the near future. I would have loved to see Ahanta woman contesting in this year’s elections but unfortunately there is none but that is not late since there many elections ahead of us. For those of us who are not into party politics, we have been left in a dilemma since we have strong ties with all the parliamentary candidates especially we who come from “Kwasimindim awudo”. We are related in a way apart from party politics. Votes in Kwesimintsim town are likely to be shared evenly without a cheat.
Kwesimintsim constituency was created from old Effia-Kwesimintsim constituency in 2012. The constituency comprises of Kwesimintsim town and zongo, Assakae, Apremdo, Anaji, Whindo and Kansawrodo as well as surrounding towns and villages. Since 2000, Joe Baidoo Ansah has been the sitting member of parliament.
In 2000 general elections, the seat was snatched from Lawyer Nana Abekah and his CPP by Joe Baidoo Ansah and his NPP. The seat has since metamorphosed to become one of the strongholds of the NPP under Joe Baidoo Ansah for the past 16 years. With Joe Baidoo Ansah not contesting in this year’s elections, it has become a levelled grounds for all political parties. All the contestants are favourites this time round.
For the NPP parliamentary candidate, we have Joe Mensah, a typical Ahanta from Kwesimintsim who is believed to have helped many Ahanta youths during his days at Port and Harbours at Tema and Takoradi. He has been in touch with the people of Kwesimintsim despite being far away in Tema. He comes to functions and has adequately paid his dues to the people. He has returned home to contest on the ticket of the NPP after a protracted long court case between him and the sitting MP Joe Baidoo Ansah. He was finally cleared by the High Court to contest. He just needs a little hard work to ride on the fame of NPP to glory.
For the NDC, we have Mr. Augustine Arthur popularly referred to as Achie. He was an ex police officer and a former PRO of Ghana Police Service. A regular host of crime combat on GTV sometimes past. He left the police service to seek for greener pastures in America and has also returned home to contest on the ticket of NDC to seek the mandate of his people to represent them in parliament. He is also believed to have a good relations with the youth and has key interest in youth football. Whilst in America, keeps sending surgical materials and drugs to the hospitals. He has been able to amass youth support when he appeared on the political landscape within these few times . He can pull a big surprise. He and JM TOA SO slogan are making headways.
For the CPP, we have Lawyer Nana Abekah who happens to be an old member of parliament. He lost his seat to Joe Baidoo Ansah during the 2000 elections but has never given up in contesting in every elections. He is arguably the most experienced one among them since he has won the seat before and has lost it. He is also in touch with the youth and has strong fan base at Kwesimintsim and Assakae. He is seeking to renew his covenant with the people of Kwesimintsim constituency with their “Apam fofro” message. He can also do wonders this time round since he known in Kwesimintsim politics very well.
For the PPP, we have Mr. Samuel Kwabena Antwi also from Kwesimintsim and Busua with his awake message. Many youths are buying into it. The Paapa Kwesi Nduom and his PPP feelings is spreading very fast among Kwesimintsim and its environs. With hardwork and determination, he can pull a big surprise come December 7. He has also packaged himself very well for the occasion and he is not likely to disappoint.
The only Independent candidate in this year’s parliamentary elections in Kwesimintsim is Richard Kwame Amissah. A very young and vibrant man who is launching his political career with this election. He is an area guy in Kwesimintsim and knows how to play his cards very well. This election is a test case for him. He is the youngest among all the contestants and represents the hope the younger generations in Kwesimintsim politics. Despite going solo in this election, he is clad in clothes of charisma pulling a lot of youths along. Definitely he will create an impact in this election and occupy a political space in Kwesimintsim.
For us the people of Kwesimintsim, particularly we the Ahantas, this election is not who is winning or who is losing. Apart from their political affiliations, all these 5 candidates have family ties and lines criss crossing one another. Whoever wins this parliamentary elections has won it for us all. What really matters is how we will come together as one people with a common destiny to push the agenda progress of the people of Kwesimintsim constituency and Ahantaman is what matters. Our peace and how to coexist with other tribes who are now part and parcel of us. We must a strong unifier who can serve the interest of all Ahanta people as well as members of other tribes on our land. This election is just a forward match for Kwesimintsim people and should be peaceful.
Good luck to all the parliamentary contestants.
Long live Ahantaman !
Long live Kwesimintsim people !!
Long live Ghana !!!
Ahanta Apemenyimheneba Kwofie III
[email protected]
#Ahantadiaries_2016_11_07
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