Amenfi Central MP withdraws from 2024 parliamentary race

In a surprising yet strategic move, Peter Yaw Kwakye-Ackah, the current Member of Parliament (MP) for Amenfi Central, has officially withdrawn from the 2024 parliamentary race. In a press statement released on November 18, the MP announced that he would be stepping down from his independent candidature, citing the recent decision by the High Court and the Electoral Commission to clear the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for this year’s election.

Kwakye-Ackah’s withdrawal marks a significant shift in his campaign, which had initially been built around his decision to contest the parliamentary seat as an independent candidate. However, following the court’s ruling and the Electoral Commission’s clearance of the NDC’s chosen candidate, Kwakye-Ackah stated that the reasons behind his decision to run as an independent were no longer valid.

In his statement, Kwakye-Ackah expressed gratitude to the elders and key members of the NDC for their advice and support, acknowledging that their guidance had played a pivotal role in his decision. “I would like to thank the Elders of the party and other leading members of the party for their invaluable counsel that has led to this decision in the supreme interest of the party,” Kwakye-Ackah remarked, signaling his commitment to the party’s unity and the greater good of Amenfi Central.

The incumbent MP, for the Amenfi Central constituency, reiterated his dedication to the people he represents, asserting that the decision was made in alignment with the long-term interests of both the NDC and the people of Amenfi Central.

The announcement comes after a period of tension within the NDC, as Kwakye-Ackah had previously chosen to contest independently, following disagreements with party leadership over the selection of the parliamentary candidate. However, with the party’s candidate now officially cleared, Kwakye-Ackah’s withdrawal is seen as a crucial step in healing rifts within the party and fostering a unified front for the upcoming election.

His decision to step down has already sparked mixed reactions among his supporters and critics, with some seeing it as a tactical move to ensure a smoother path for the NDC’s candidate, while others may view it as a loss for the constituency. Nonetheless, Kwakye-Ackah’s willingness to prioritize party unity over personal ambitions highlights his sense of duty to both the NDC and the people of Amenfi Central.

As the 2024 elections approach, his withdrawal is expected to shift the political landscape in the constituency. Kwakye-Ackah’s endorsement of the NDC candidate will likely bolster the party’s chances in the region, and his public commitment to party unity may encourage a broader sense of cohesion within the party ranks as the election season intensifies.

In closing, Kwakye-Ackah reaffirmed his loyalty to the NDC and his constituents, concluding his statement with a call for continued progress. “Long live the NDC, long live Amenfi Central, long live Ghana,” he stated, leaving the door open for future political endeavors, but for now, standing firmly behind the NDC’s candidate for Amenfi Central.

This development has undoubtedly shifted the dynamics in Amenfi Central as political observers and party supporters now look ahead to the upcoming election, with expectations high for a renewed focus on unity and collaboration.

Read the full statement

PRESS STATEMENT

18TH NOVEMBER, 2024

WITHDRAWAL FROM AMENFI CENTRAL PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION.

I wish to inform the good people of Amenfi Central and the general public of my decision to withdraw my independent candidature from the 2024 Amenfi Central Parliamentary election forthwith.

Pursuant to the decision by the High Court and the Electoral Commission to clear the NDC’s parliamentary candidate for this year’s election, I believe that my reasons for filing to contest the election as an independent candidate are no longer tenable.

I would like to thank the Elders of the party and other leading members of the party for their invaluable counsel that has led to this decision in the supreme interest of the party.

Long live the NDC, long live Amenfi Central, long live Ghana.

………………………………….
HON. PETER YAW KWAKYE-ACKAH
MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, AMENFI CENTRAL