Accra: A total of 31 aspirants have filed nominations to contest various positions in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Oti Regional Executive Elections following the close of nominations on Friday. The list, released by the Oti Regional Elections Committee and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA), sets the stage for what is expected to be a keenly contested election as delegates prepare to elect new regional executives to lead the party in the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, four aspirants are vying for the Regional Chairman position: Mr. Evans Yaw Dapaah, Dr. Frank Yirenkyi, Madam Sherifa Selina Sekyere Tijani, and Mr. Collins Yaw Ahenkora. Similarly, the Regional First Vice Chairman position has attracted four contenders: Madam Justine Okyerewa Okyere, Mr. Francis Asuka Boakye, Mr. Maxwell Blagodzi Qophy, and Mr. Stephen Benyaseh Alewabah.
The Regional Second Vice Chairman race will see competition among Madam Doris Nana Yaa Abronyeh, Mr. Derrick Mensah Bonsu, and Mr. Peter Kwasi Attafoe. For the Regional Secretary position, four individuals-Mr. Jonathan Manu Akpabeh, Mr. Felix Owusu-Gyimah, Madam Janet Emefa Obro-Adibo, and Dr. Frank Awuah-have filed their nominations.
Three aspirants are in the fray for the office of Regional Deputy Secretary: Mr. Freema Adolph Dankwa, Mr. Abubakar Adams, and Mr. Patrick Wisdom Krampah. Delegates will choose between Mr. Daniel Asiedu and Mr. Nicholas Baafi Boadi for the position of Regional Treasurer.
The Regional Organiser position has attracted Mr. Abubakar Salifu, Mr. Emmanuel Kwaku Obonda, and Mr. Gyamfi Boateng Charles. In the Regional Women Organiser race, Madam Olivia Yawa Aglago will contest against Madam Alice Mensah, while Mr. Prince Kwadwo Amanor and Mr. Gbande Nabin Yussif vie for the Regional Youth Organiser position.
For the Regional Nasara Organiser role, Mr. Shaibu Muhammed Habib and Mr. Bashiru Sharubutu are the candidates. The Regional Communications Director position will be contested by Mr. Musah Seidu and Mr. Eric Quaku Anane.
A statement signed by Mr. George Krobea Asante, Chairman of the Oti Regional Elections Committee, confirmed the close of nominations and announced the names of all aspirants who had successfully filed their nomination forms. The Committee urged aspirants and their supporters to conduct their campaigns with decorum, adhere to the party's constitution and code of conduct, and refrain from actions that could undermine the unity and cohesion of the party.
It assured delegates and party members of a transparent, free, fair, and credible electoral process, stating that all necessary measures had been put in place to ensure peaceful elections. The regional executive elections are expected to bring together delegates from all nine constituencies in the Oti Region to elect officials who will provide strategic leadership and strengthen the party's structures ahead of future political activities.
Political observers believe the outcome of the elections will play a significant role in shaping the direction of the NPP in the Oti Region and strengthening the party's internal organisation ahead of subsequent electoral contests.