In a surprising turn of events, Peter Kwakye Ackah, the Member of Parliament for the Amenfi Central Constituency in Ghana’s Western Region, has officially announced his withdrawal from the upcoming December 7 parliamentary elections as an independent candidate. This decision, revealed in a statement on Monday, November 18, 2024, has garnered attention within political circles and the constituency at large.
Peter Kwakye Ackah had initially filed to contest the election as an independent candidate following his loss in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) primary to Mrs. Joana Gyan Cudjoe. His decision to run independently was seen as a bold move to retain his parliamentary seat, despite losing the support of his party. However, recent developments within the NDC and decisions by relevant authorities appear to have influenced his decision to withdraw from the race.
In his official statement, Mr. Ackah expressed that his reasons for contesting as an independent candidate were no longer valid. The decision, he noted, was influenced by the ruling of the High Court and the Electoral Commission, which cleared Mrs. Joana Gyan Cudjoe as the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for the Amenfi Central Constituency. He acknowledged that this development rendered his initial concerns and motivations for running as an independent candidate moot.
The statement issued by Mr. Ackah reads:
“I wish to inform the good people of Amenfi Central and the general public of my decision to withdraw my independent candidature from the 2024 Amenfi Central Parliamentary election forthwith. Pursuant to the decision by the High Court and the Electoral Commission to clear the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for this year’s election, I believe that my reasons for filing to contest the election as an independent candidate are no longer tenable.”
Mr. Ackah also used the opportunity to express his gratitude to the party’s elders and other influential members who played a significant role in counseling him on this decision. He emphasized that his withdrawal was made in the supreme interest of the NDC, signaling his continued loyalty to the party despite his earlier independent aspirations.
This decision has sparked discussions among political analysts and constituents. Some view it as a strategic move to maintain unity within the NDC in the lead-up to the crucial 2024 elections. Others see it as a reflection of the party's efforts to address internal disagreements and consolidate its base in the Amenfi Central Constituency.
The political journey leading to this moment has been marked by tension and intrigue. Mr. Ackah's initial decision to file as an independent candidate followed a contentious primary that saw Mrs. Joana Gyan Cudjoe emerge as the NDC’s parliamentary candidate. His move was perceived by some as a protest against the party’s internal processes, while others saw it as an attempt to assert his political relevance in the constituency.
However, with the legal and administrative hurdles now cleared for Mrs. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the party appears to have resolved the internal conflict, paving the way for a united front in the December elections. Mr. Ackah's withdrawal is seen as a significant step in this direction, as it eliminates the potential for a split in votes that could have benefited opposing parties.
The withdrawal statement concluded with a rallying call for support for the NDC and the constituency:
“I would like to thank the Elders of the party and other leading members of the party for their invaluable counsel that has led to this decision in the supreme interest of the party. Long live the NDC, long live Amenfi Central, long live Ghana.”
The news of Mr. Ackah’s withdrawal has elicited mixed reactions from constituents and political observers. While some commend him for putting the party's interests above personal ambition, others have questioned why he filed as an independent candidate in the first place. His decision is likely to strengthen the NDC’s position in Amenfi Central, as the party now has a clearer path to retaining the seat.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, the NDC’s parliamentary candidate, is expected to leverage this newfound unity to campaign vigorously in the constituency. Her candidacy represents a fresh chapter for the NDC in Amenfi Central, and with the support of both the party’s leadership and grassroots members, she is poised to make a strong showing in the upcoming elections.
As the December 7 elections approach, the Amenfi Central Constituency remains a focal point of interest, with political dynamics shifting rapidly. Mr. Ackah’s decision to step down as an independent candidate underscores the importance of party unity in Ghana’s political landscape. It also highlights the NDC’s efforts to address internal disagreements and present a cohesive front to the electorate.
This development serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal ambition and party loyalty in Ghanaian politics. For now, all eyes are on Amenfi Central as the NDC works to consolidate its support and deliver a resounding victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections.
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