Strong showdown ahead of Assin Central NDC primary

The parliamentary primary of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Assin Central Constituency in the Central Region is billed for a strong showdown among three stalwarts of the party.

All the three—the sitting Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Assin Central, Dr Kofi Blankson, the former MCE for the area, Mr Alex Antwi Boasiako, and a leading member of the NDC, Dr Richard Kofi Asiedu—have the support of the party executive and members.

Showdown

Dr Blankson is clinging on the development projects he has extended to the area in his capacity as the MCE, while Mr Boasiako is also echoing his past glory as a development agent in the area.

For Dr Asiedu, his trump cards are a senior high school, a nursing school, a remedial school and a radio station he established at Assin Fosu within the last five years.

Another hurdle awaiting the winner of the NDC primaries among these three heavyweights is how to beat the long-reigning MP for Assin Central, Mr Kennedy Agyapong of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Mr Agyapong is said to be popular at Assin Fosu because of the numerous development projects he has initiated in the area, coupled with the school fees and medical bills he shouldered for many people.

Mr Agyapong’s popularity was manifested when in March, this year, some chiefs at Assin Fosu went to beg him to contest the seat again to continue with his development projects.

When Mr Agyapong offered his candidature in the NPP Parliamentary primaries in June, 2015, he was re-elected unopposed.

Perspectives

The Daily Graphic caught up with one of the NDC Parliamentary aspirants, Dr Asiedu for his perspectives of the tough challenge ahead of him.

He said he was the best man to lead the NDC to beat Mr Agyapong because of his rich experience in business and the development projects he had planned for the area.

Dr Asiedu told the Daily Graphic that his initial focus was to see to the tarring of the Assin Foso town roads to improve mobility in the area.

Besides, he said he would facilitate the supply of pipe-borne water from the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) to Assin Fosu.