When his term ends in January 2025, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured party members that he will cede power to a successor from his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
During the NPP’s last rally before the eagerly awaited by-election in the Kumawu Constituency of the Ashanti Region, the President is rumored to have made the remarks.
“I’ll hand over power to NPP – Nana,” read the banner headline at the top of the pro-government Daily Guide’s edition from May 22.
By making this statement, Nana Addo is implying that the NPP will win the 2024 election and thereby “break the 8,” a phrase the party coined to describe its goal of becoming the first party to hold office for three consecutive terms in history under the current constitution.
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The president’s last mention of passing the reins to a successor came during a prayer and thanksgiving service at the National Mosque in Accra following the party’s National Leadership elections.
Bryan Acheampong, the minister of agriculture, recently made headlines when he asserted that the NPP would never cede power to the NDC and warned that if they attempted any foolishness, the party would match the main opposition.
The Kumawu by-election
Voters will select a replacement for Philip Atta Basoah, who passed away on March 27th while still serving his third consecutive term as a member of parliament.
Ernest Yaw Anim represents the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and Kwasi Mankwaa is running for the NDC.
Two independent contenders with the last name Kwaku Duah are also running.
The last week has seen a flurry of political activity in Kumawu as prominent members of the NDC and NPP held rallies there to solicit votes for the open seat.
The EC has announced that it is prepared for the Tuesday vote.