Regional News of Sunday, 21 June 2020

Source: David Cameron Abekah, Contributor

John Sanie beats incumbent in Mpohor NPP primaries

John Sanie with Ransford Tawiah Ackon after the victory John Sanie with Ransford Tawiah Ackon after the victory

John Kobina Abbam Aboah Sanie, CEO, John Sanie Foundation, has won the Mpohor NPP parliamentary primaries.

In a democratic contest characterized by twists and turns, John Sanie beat the incumbent, Alex Kofi Agyekum, who is also the chairman of the parliamentary select committee on youth and sports.

John Sanie polled 192 votes to set up a night of jubilation at the district capital of Mpohor, and other electoral areas in the constituency. Alex Agyekum polled 100 votes.

Delegates had earlier rubbished reports of a suspicious poll that predicted the incumbent's victory, but John Sanie's victory proved that they were right.

John Sanie won massively in Adansi and Bopp Estate electoral areas, followed by wins in Ohiawoanwu, Ankobea, Atwereboana, Bronikrom, Dominase, Adum-Banso, Angu, and Mampong.

Alex Kofi Agyekum won only in Mpohor, and split the 20 votes with his challenger in Ayiem.

Nuggets of information picked in the constituency pointed to the incumbent's bloated ego, lack of consultations, promotion of tribal politics, and a condescending disposition, among others, which many delegates alleged were a source of worry to voters, hence his defeat.

Delegates also referred to the bad nature of Mpohor's major road linking Kejebril to Benso, and accused the incumbent of deception as regards delays in the commencement of work. Constituents said the Mp was not lobbying enough to bring development to the district, his continuous shifting of blame to the Minister of Roads, and his wife's meddling in politics also mirrored a portrait of irritation.

It was against this backdrop, and voters frustration, calling for a new leadership cast in humility that also contributed to John Sanie's landslide victory in a constituency that has strong leanings to the New Patriotic Party, thanks to Stephen Kraikue, a founding father of the party, and a native of Mpohor.

"We have nothing against President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, we shall vote massively for him, and we know our road will be constructed soon", some of the victorious celebrants shouted.

After the Electoral Commission's declaration of the winner, Anthony Evans Amoah, former western regional minister, and chairman of the Mpohor Npp council of elders, raised the hand of John Sanie, inducing rapturous applause that also sparked off jubilations by teeming supporters of the NPP.