Independent Candidate Promises Not to Resign in Kumawu By-Election

Mr. Kwaku Duah, the Independent Parliamentary Candidate in the upcoming Kumawu by-election, has pledged not to step down regardless of the New Patriotic Party's (NPP) generous offer.

According to him, he has decided to run for the seat in order to protect the future of the youth in his district, who have supported him since the day he was challenged to run in 2020.

Mr. Kwaku Duah responded vehemently when asked on Kumasi-based Angel Fm if the NPP leadership had asked him to step down: "It won't work, they have been calling but it won't work."

Mr. Kwaku Duah reiterated that the NPP is in for a rude awakening, as there will be a repeat of the situation in the Fomena constituency, in which the independent candidate was declared the victor.

"I want to make it crystal clear that what is occurring in Kumawu is an exact replica of what occurred in Fomena in 2020," he said.

Mr. Kwaku Duah, a former member of the ruling NPP, left the party in the 2020 election, garnering 11,698 votes compared to the late MP Hon. Philip Basoah's 14,960 votes, which made him the victor.

While addressing NPP members after a successful primary at Kumawu Besore, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the NPP, Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiako, aka Chairman Wontumi, stated: "As regional Chairman leading the party into this by-election, I can confirm that the NDC candidate and the former NPP member who has rebelled against us to contest as an independent candidate sponsored by the NDC behind the scenes is now powerless and weak."

In an earlier response, Mr. Kwaku Duah characterized the claim as a diversion and an attempt to divert people's attention from discussion of pertinent issues in the region.

Kwaku Duah will face Ernest Yaw Anim of the NPP and Kwasi Amankwah of the NDC.

The Electoral Commission (EC) has scheduled the elections for Tuesday, May 23, 2023.