bIncumbent New Patriotic Party (NPP) Member of Parliament for Suhum Constituency in the Eastern Region, Kwadwo Asante popularly known as Boafo, has announced his decision to contest as an independent candidate in the December 7th, 2024 general election.
Boafo Kwadwo Asante lost the NPP Parliamentary primary in January 2024 to Frank Asiedu Bekoe popularly known as Protozoa with a vote difference of 179.
In the primary, Asiedu Bekoe garnered 496 votes, while Boafo Asante secured 320 votes, making Protozoa the new NPP parliamentary candidate for Suhum.
Despite his defeat, Asante’s supporters have been pushing for him to contest as an independent candidate, insisting he is the preferred choice of the constituents.
Over the weekend, the disgruntled Member of Parliament officially announced his independent candidacy while addressing supporters after a Health Walk at Suhum Amponsah Market. He cited the overwhelming support from his constituents as his motivation to run.
Sources within the NPP indicate that high-ranking officials, including Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Bryan Acheampong, have attempted to persuade Boafo Asante to reconsider his decision. However, the NPP faced an unexpected challenge over the weekend with Boafo Asante’s declaration.
Kwadwo Asante, who defeated then MP Frederick Opare Ansah in the 2020 NPP parliamentary primary, says he is committed to contesting in the December general election as an independent candidate.
He stated that his decision is driven by a call from the masses, believing he is the “helper” the constituency needs.
Political tension has been brewing in the Suhum Constituency since Kwadwo Asante’s election in 2020, with his supporters and those of Frank Asiedu Bekoe clashing at several public events. This tension has occasionally led to violence, continuing the constituency’s history of political unrest that dates to 2008.
Kwadwo Asante has launched his independent campaign with the slogan “Oboafo Toaso” (Helper / Supporter Continue) and promises that his development agenda for Suhum will not be abruptly halted.
