Despite the Electoral Commission’s disqualification, Amenfi Central NDC supporters rally behind Joana Gyan Cudjoe for the December 7 general elections.
They remain steadfast in their faith, undeterred by obstacles.
Joana Gyan Cudjoe has been vocal about her concerns regarding Peter Kwakye Ackah’s loyalty to the National Democratic Congress (NDC). She’s gone as far as labeling him a “Judas,” implying his actions are driven by personal interests rather than genuine allegiance to the party
Amenfi Central constituency, one of 17 constituencies in Western Region, has historically been a stronghold for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), with a voter population of 70,000, primarily farmers engaged in cocoa production.
Since its inception, the constituency has consistently been represented by male candidates from the NDC party.
However, in a groundbreaking move, the party has elected its first female representative, Joana Gyan Cudjoe, marking a significant shift towards greater diversity and representation
Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Amenfi Central, has been on quite a rollercoaster ride. After winning her primaries in May 2023, some party members questioned her eligibility, leading to a court case that prompted the party to annul the primary election and order a rerun
In a surprising twist, Joana was re-elected through acclamation after her contender, Peter Yaw Kwakye Ackah, withdrew from the race following vetting. A whopping 1,430 delegates were present to witness her re-election
However, the current MP, Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah, has decided to run as an independent candidate in the upcoming elections.
Just recently, on October 16, the Electoral Commission dropped a bombshell by disqualifying Joana Gyan Cudjoe as a parliamentary candidate due to a pending court case
The constituency’s communications officer, Obed Ammisah, sees this as a deliberate attempt to frustrate their candidate, but he says it’s only fueled their determination to campaign even harder.
“The Electoral Commission’s decision to disqualify our candidate for Amenfi Central is undoubtedly disappointing, but we refuse to let it dampen our spirits. Although it’s discouraging, we won’t let it hinder our progress. We’re choosing to stay optimistic, focusing on what we can control, and intensifying our campaign efforts”.
“In fact, this setback has ignited a newfound determination within us. We’re committed to going above and beyond, pushing our campaign from 80% to 100%. We’ll fight till the very end, leaving no stone unturned. This disqualification may be a bump in the road, but it won’t define our journey”. He stated
On Friday, October 18, the Amenfi Central Constituency witnessed a remarkable display of unity and determination as National Democratic Congress (NDC) party members gathered to show their unwavering support for their candidate, Joana Gyan Cudjoe.
Donning their party attire, they participated in a health walk and health screening at the Kwaku Buah electoral area, sending a strong message of solidarity
“The news of Madam Joana’s disqualification was devastating to our entire constituency. For the first time, we had a candidate who genuinely cared about our development, leaving a lasting impact in every community she visited. Although this update was disheartening, we remain hopeful that the situation will turn in our favor, and Madam Joana will continue as our parliamentary candidate, ultimately winning the seat”.
“Our optimism stems from the fact that our constituency has historically been an NDC stronghold. We’re confident that Madam Joana’s passion for development will resonate with our community, and she’ll emerge victorious in the end”
Supporters of Joana Gyan Cudjoe are rallying behind her, declaring “no Joana, no vote” in solidarity. They firmly believe she’s the best candidate to drive development in the Amenfi Central Constituency.
“ It would be a devastating blow if Joana Gyan Cudjoe isn’t allowed to run for office, considering the incredible development projects she’s bringing to the table. Her initiatives are truly transformative, and it’s remarkable that she’s already making a significant impact even before officially becoming a parliamentary candidate”.
“It’s time for a change, and Joana’s candidacy offers a promising solution. The community is eager for growth, and her disqualification would undoubtedly be a significant loss. The electoral commission should ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair, and credible, allowing qualified candidates like Joana to contest”.
The former member of parliament for Amenfi Central Constituency from 2005-2017 George Kofi Arthur, has made some strong remarks about Peter Kwakye Ackah. According to Arthur, Ackah’s actions are driven by personal interests, with little regard for the well-being of others.
“I’m not surprised by his actions because the person in question isn’t a lifelong NDC member. I ran against him in 2004 when I was on the NDC ticket, and he was representing the NPP in 2008. After losing the NPP primaries, he attempted to run as an independent candidate but lost again. He joined the NDC in 2009 and was appointed District Chief Executive in 2012. He even contested me in our party primaries and lost”.
“In 2016, I stepped down due to unforeseen circumstances, paving the way for him. Given his history with the NPP, it’s no surprise he’s acting this way – we tried to stop him when he joined our party, but it didn’t work out.”
He says electoral commission has overstepped its bounds.
“The electoral commission’s role is often misunderstood. It’s not their responsibility to disqualify candidates; that’s the party’s job. The commission’s main focus is to ensure the smooth running of elections, whether educational, religious, or political. They’re essentially supervisors, guaranteeing that everything goes according to plan”.
“In the case of a dispute, the electoral commission can’t simply disqualify a candidate who has completed the filing, acclamation, and campaigning processes. If they did, the candidate could potentially sue, and the commission might face significant compensation costs”
“Ultimately, the electoral commission’s primary responsibility is to oversee the democratic process, ensuring its integrity and fairness. While they do have some authority to disqualify candidates, their role is more focused on supervision and ensuring the smooth execution of elections.”
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for Amenfi Central Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has been through a tough time, facing a series of court injunctions since her primaries.
During her recent campaign visit to Kwaku Buah electoral area, she didn’t mince words, labeling Peter Kwakye Ackah, the incumbent MP, as “Judas”.
“There’s a person who has betrayed the trust of Amenfi Central constituents by switching from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to running as an independent candidate. His actions resemble those of Judas, as he’s abandoned the party that once supported him. It’s clear he doesn’t have the NDC’s interests at heart and is now seeking personal gain. We urge our fellow NDC members to be cautious and not follow his instructions, as they may be detrimental to the party’s well-being”.
She encouraged them to support her and have faith in the process
“Regardless of your party affiliation – whether NPP, PNC, or CPP – I’m urging everyone to unite behind Joana Gyan Cudjoe in this election. Let’s put aside our differences and come together for the betterment of our constituency. By voting for Joana, we can unlock a brighter future filled with development and progress” she mentioned.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
Source:
3news.com
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