Nana Opoku Karikari Okogyedom
The campaign coordinator for one of the aspirants in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential primary in the Atwima Kwanwoma Constituency of the Ashanti Region, Nana Opoku Karikari Okogyedom, has commended the Electoral Commission (EC) for the smooth conduct of the ongoing exercise.
Nana Opoku Karikari who is also the Otumfuo Topreman Kontihene, praised the District Electoral Commissioner, Elizabeth Ohene, and her team for ensuring an orderly and peaceful process at the polling centre located at the Twedie Technical Institute.
Speaking to the media during the voting process, Nana Opoku Karikari called on party delegates to maintain the peace that has characterised the exercise so far. He stressed the need for unity and discipline, noting that the strength of the NPP lies in its ability to remain united after internal contests.
“The peace we have seen from the beginning should continue until the end so that, after the primaries, the party can still remain under one umbrella,” he urged.
However, Nana Opoku Karikari, who is also a delegate, raised concerns about the conduct of some constituency party executives. He alleged that certain executives had entered areas designated as restricted within the inner security perimeter, contrary to the rules governing the primaries.
According to him, the matter had been officially reported to both the police and the Electoral Commission, and he demanded that the individuals involved be asked to leave the restricted zones to ensure fairness and transparency.
“If the rules are not enforced equally, it can create unnecessary tension,” he warned, adding that failure to act could compel him to mobilise his supporters to also enter the restricted areas.
The NPP presidential primaries in Atwima Kwanwoma form part of the party’s nationwide internal elections to select candidates ahead of the 2028 general elections. Delegates are voting to choose a presidential candidate to lead the party in the constituency, which is considered a key seat in the Ashanti Region.
Security personnel from the Ghana Police Service have been deployed to maintain law and order, while officials of the Electoral Commission are supervising the process to ensure compliance with electoral guidelines.
As of the time of filing this report, voting was progressing peacefully, with party leaders and observers expressing optimism that the exercise would end without incidents.
FROM David Afum, Twedie
