Voting has begun in earnest in some 245 constituencies across the country to elect new Members of Parliament for the opposition New Patriotic Party.
There is drama already at the Ablekuma North Constituency where a man has been arrested for attempting to vote with an ID card of a dead delegate, Joy News’ Fred Smith reports.
In Ashaiman in Accra voting has started with some 832 delegates expected to vote for one of three candidates, Kwetey Nartey reports. Over 2, 000 delegates will be electing the new aspiring MPs to contest in the 2016 elections.
Controversies
There is misunderstanding in one of the polling station at the Adentan constituency leading to a temporary halt in voting, Francisca Kakra reports.
A man came as a delegate to vote but has no ID card and no picture in register. The name he gave was different from what was in the register. He was stopped from voting but there is some misunderstanding.
There is controversy over voting venue in the Shama constituency in the Western Region. The head of the Methodist church at the Shama circuit has ordered a discontinuation of the voting process which already started late. The preacher man said his premises can’t be used for any political activity, Nana Adwoa Entsiwa reports.
In the Awutu Senya constituency in the Central Region, voting has stopped because delegates say transportation fare is not enough.
Hotspots
The Ashanti Region undoubtedly commands the greatest level of interest as Minority Leader Osei Kyei Bonsu faces a battle of his career. Three aspiring candidates are treacherously snatching the Suame seat under him and are setting him up for a great fall. The three are Kwadwo Boateng Genfi, John Darko and Richard Boadi Soadwa. The Leader has the support of MPs in parliament some of whom are campaigning desperately to have him retained.
Another constituency to watch is Asokwa. Former Minister of state Maxwell Kofi Juma is threatening a comeback. He has former KMA mayor Patricia Appiagyei in his tracks. It will be an interesting race to watch.
Dr Richard Anane will also not have a smooth ride at his Nhyiaeso constituency. It will be a tough battle for the former Roads Minister.
In the Eastern Region, Atta Akyea is rumoured to have the support of the flagbearer but his Abuakwa South seat is also an interesting battle to watch. Kwame Boateng Acheampong and Kingsley Agyemang are prepared for the onslaught.
New entrant and former host of Joy FM’s Super morning show Kojo Oppong Nkrumah will be cutting his political teeth at the Ofoasi Ayirebi constituency. He has John Obiri Yeboah and Bright Asamoah Acquah to contend with.
In Accra Ken Kuranchi had a stint in prison during the famous election petition but wants a seat in Parliament and would fight for the Okaikoi North constituency together with former Nkawkaw MP Seth Adjei Baah.
In the Central Region will also see former MTN head of Marketing George Andah also testing the political waters. Will he sink or float?
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