The opposition New Patriotic Party's parliamentary candidate for Awutu Senya West, Mr George Andah, has said the constituents there will choose between change and arrogance in the 2016 general elections.

The electorate of Awutu Senya West, Mr Andah said in a statement, “are very discerning, and they have said they will vote for change instead of voting for arrogance,” the former Glo marketing manager said in a statement in response to a comment by incumbent MP Hanna Tetteh to the effect that he posed no threat to her chances of retaining the seat because he is not a ‘heavyweight’ in politics.

Ms Tetteh made the comment to journalists after winning 97 percent of votes cast in the governing National Democratic Congress’ parliamentary primaries.

Mr Andah, however, said in his rebuttal statement that: “The 2016 election in Awutu Senya West is not going to be about 'heavyweights'. It is not going to be about who is 'prettier' and or less 'handsome'. It's not going to be about deceiving the electorate with last minute projects and using money to buy votes just to win the election and abandon the people.”

“It is not about how big and influential you are. It is about service to God and country. It's about respect for the people, their development. We go to school so we can give back to society one day and help the less privileged, and not to prove to them how intelligent and superior we are when are in a position of authority,” Mr Andah added.

Read his full unedited statement as published on his Facebook wall:

I have been informed that on Saturday 21st November, 2015, Hanna Serwaa TETTEH said on CITI FM ........ "Who is George Andah? He is not a heavyweight in politics, he is a novice, you journalists are making him somebody in GH politics"

I, Nenyi George ANDAH, NPP PC for Awutu Senya West (ASW) first wish to congratulate Hon Hannah Serwaa TETTEH, for winning the NDC parliamentary slot for ASW. I am looking forward to responsible performance/issues-based campaigning leading into the next election.

I also wish to, once again, extend my deepest condolences to her and her family on the loss of her mother, may the soul of her departed mother rest in perfect peace.

I do recognize the challenge ahead and I know that Election 2016 will not be a walk in the park, but I have always taken up challenges in my life, and worked with energetic teams who believe in my vision and leadership, and I know election 2016 in ASW will not be any different.

I thank God that He has blessed me with a committed youthful team, who are solidly on the ground with me to bring about real change in ASW, from Senya to Bawjiase, from Obrakyire to Nyarkokwa, and in all other electoral areas.

It is not about how big and influential you are. It is about service to God and country. It's about respect for the people, their development. We go to school so we can give back to society one day and help the less privileged, and not to prove to them how intelligent and superior we are when we are in a position of authority.

The electorate of ASW are very discerning, and they have said they will vote for change instead of voting for arrogance. The 2016 election in ASW is not going to be about 'heavyweights'. It is not going to be about who is 'prettier' and or less 'handsome'. It's not going to be about deceiving the electorate with last-minute projects and using money to buy votes just to win the election and abandon the people.

Let us remember that Hannah Serwaa TETTEH was first given the privilege to become a member of parliament by the good people of ASW, when she was only 33 and was not a so-called political heavyweight.

At age 33, I was privileged to have rich career opportunities, cutting my teeth across different industries in Corporate Ghana and beyond, while serving under some great coaches and mentors. I am bringing on board all these rich experiences to serve and help develop ASW, just as I did with all the companies I worked with.

Election 2016 in ASW for us is going to be all about the people of Awutu Senya West. It's going to be about working hard and smart with the youth, uniting the constituency, listening, and with the right messages and most importantly putting the electorate at the heart of everything we do.

We know that with God on our side, we will give Awutu Senya West the change and power to do more that is most deserved.

Nenyi George ANDAH

NPP Parliamentary Candidate for ASW