Upper east: Mr Elvis Figo Awonekai, the Upper East Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has formally announced his candidacy for the position of Regional Chairman of the party in the region. In a statement issued and shared with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Awonekai emphasized his readiness to guide the party through a phase of rebuilding and repositioning following its recent electoral defeat.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Awonekai stressed the importance of unity, restructuring, and reclaiming political power for the party. He asserted, "It is not the time to retreat after defeat; it is time to rise, restructure, and reclaim power." He also acknowledged the efforts of the current regional executives, expressing gratitude for their service and pledging to build on their established foundation.
Mr Awonekai's political journey within the party has been extensive. He has served in various capacities, including Polling Station Secretary, Chairman, Constituency Communications Officer, and Constituency Information Technology (IT) Coordinator. He was elected Deputy Regional Secretary in 2018, served as Regional IT Coordinator, became Regional Secretary in 2022, and later assumed the role of a Parliamentary Candidate.
Mr Awonekai believes his diverse experience within the party has equipped him with the necessary knowledge and understanding to provide effective leadership for the NPP in the Upper East Region. He has outlined three priority areas he intends to focus on if elected Regional Chairman: party unity, resource mobilisation, and strengthening the party's youth, women, research, and communications wings.
On the subject of unity, Mr Awonekai noted that his broad experience across the party's structure has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing the party. This understanding positions him to bridge divisions and fortify constituencies in preparation for the 2028 general elections.
Resource mobilisation is another cornerstone of Mr Awonekai's campaign. He has pledged to utilize his networks and mobilisation skills to secure and distribute resources effectively to polling stations, electoral areas, and constituencies throughout the region. This initiative aims to support early campaign and organisational activities.
Additionally, Mr Awonekai highlighted the significance of the youth, women, research, and communications wings to the party's future. He promised to enhance and strengthen these sectors through targeted training, membership drives, research efforts, and strategic communication initiatives.
As part of his campaign strategy, Mr Awonekai plans to engage with stakeholders across the region in the coming weeks. He has called on party members to support his candidacy, running on the campaign message of being 'Experienced, Accessible, and Fearless,' reflecting his commitment to listening to party members and providing robust leadership in opposition.