Dr. Afriyie Akoto, a hopeful contender for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer role, has made an earnest plea to the party’s delegates ahead of the special delegates poll scheduled for this weekend. He firmly believes that he is the ideal candidate to guide the party towards a historic triumph in the upcoming 2024 general elections. Dr. Akoto emphasizes that now is the opportune moment for the key decision-makers within the party to express their support for him, given his significant contributions to the party’s advancement.
“I humbly request the esteemed super delegates to cast their votes in my favor. With your support, I have a vision that encompasses both the betterment of our party and the progress of our nation. Let’s not forget the events of the 2016 general elections. Our candidate then, Nana Akufo-Addo, emerged victorious against the incumbent President John Mahama, securing an impressive margin of over 900,000 votes. However, in the subsequent 2020 general elections, despite expectations of a wider margin, this figure dwindled to just above 500,000 votes. We even came perilously close to losing our parliamentary majority, with our seats tally at 137 and the Independent Parliamentary candidate, Amoako Asiamah, aligning with the NPP,” he highlighted.
He further elaborated, “These occurrences highlight underlying issues, mainly the neglect of our grassroots supporters. Conversations with them reveal a sense of dissatisfaction. This predicament makes breaking the eight-year governance cycle increasingly challenging. This realization drives my decision to contest the flagbearer position – I aim to instigate positive change. I implore you once again to rally behind me and cast your votes overwhelmingly in my favor. I am committed to implementing reforms that will benefit everyone within the party.”
Dr. Akoto underscored his dedication to promoting the active participation of both women and youth within his administration if entrusted with the NPP leadership and subsequently the presidency of Ghana. He reinforced his steadfast commitment to his vision for the party and the nation, pledging to rejuvenate the UP tradition, eradicating the struggles faced by its activists.
As a former two-term Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, he highlighted his comprehensive strategy for generating revenue to sustain party activities at all levels through the establishment of commercial enterprises. This strategic approach, he believes, will not only secure the financial stability of the party but also create employment opportunities for those in need. This, he asserts, is a distinguishing factor that sets him apart from the other contenders in the flagbearer race, as it stands as a practical and achievable solution.
