NDC primaries: Unexpected names emerge

Although the ruling National Democratic Congress has announced a date for its penultimate internal elections to elect parliamentary candidates for the 2016 elections, Pulse.com.gh can confidently report that there is a tall list of incumbent and experienced Members of Parliament and even first timers, whose legislative dream will come to an end after the party’s impending primaries.

At best, what is threatening to hit the current legislative front of the NDC could be described as tsunami, particularly if one considers how some constituencies are bent on carrying out their threats to supplant their MPs, most of who are veterans in the august House of parliament.

As the party prepares for its upcoming primaries, Pulse.com.gh has compiled some surprising names that have emerged to contest as legislators in the 2016 general elections.

Samuel Kwesi Fletcher

The Head of Corporate Communications at the Volta River Authority (VRA), Mr Samuel Fletcher, has announced his Parliamentary bid on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Mr Fletcher says he will contest the NDC primaries in the Gomoa West Constituency.

In an interview with Pulse.com.gh, he said he will bring development to Gomoa West and create jobs.

He said he would bring development to the area by boosting the tourism and agriculture – a move he said would lead to the building of hotels and resorts in Gomoa West.

He will face a stiff opposition from Cynthia Morrison from the NPP when given the nod.

Ras Mubarak

After failing to win in the Ablekuma North constituency, Ras Mubarak, Chief Executive Officer of the National Youth Authority has declared his intentions to run in the Kumbungu constituency in the Northern region.

John Jinapor

A deputy minister of Energy John Jinapor is set to contest in the Yapei-Kusawgu constituency primaries of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Northern Region.

Jinapor, who was the a presidential spokesperson will face a stiff competition from one Gameli Kewuribe Hoedoafia who works with the Local Government Institute.

The seat occupied by Alhaji Amadu Seidu has declared that he will not contest for the seat again.

Clement Apaak

A presidential staffer Dr Clement Apaak has confirmed he is going to contest the Builsa South seat in the Upper East region on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Dr Apaak took to social media – Facebook – to confirm widespread media reports that he was eyeing the seat.

“Yes I will contest,” he disclosed.

“I will seek the mandate of the rank and file of the NDC in Builsa South as PC! The time has come, we will take back our seat! Eye Zu!”

The seat is currently being held by Alhassan Azong of the People’s National Convention.

Alhassan Suhiyini

Radio Gold’s breakfast show host Alhassan Suhiyini is also lacing up for the big contest to enter Parliament.

Alhassan Suhiyini is host of political talk show, "Alhaji and Alhaji."

The broadcaster is gearing up to wrestle the Tamale North seat on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Northern region.

The incumbent MP for the area, Alhassan Dahamani won the seat as an independent candidate in the 2012 general elections.

Sam George

Mr Sam Nartey George, another presidential staffer would also contest the Ningo-Prampram seat where the incumbent veteran E.T Mensah is leaving no stone unturned to retain that seat.

Dr. Kpessa Whyte, the Acting Director of the National Service Scheme, according to sources would also contest the Shai Osudoku slot.The Northern Regional Minister, Mohamed Muniru-Limuna, is going for the Damongo slot and so he will contest the incumbent Adam Mutawakilu.The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, A.B.A. Fuseini, is also seeking re-election at Sanlerigu.

Human right Lawyer, Francis Xavier Sosu has confirmed his intentions to contest the Madina-Abokobi Constituency seat in the upcoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) primaries.

Lawyer Francis Xavier Sosu is known for defending some popular cases. He is currently filing an appeal against the 10 sentence of Charles Antwi who was arrested with a gun at the President’s church.

Abraham Amaliba, a law lecturer is contesting the Bolgatanga Central in the Upper West region.

A broadcaster and private consultant, Mr Eric Don-Arthur, has disclosed his intention to contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries in the Effutu Constituency in the Central Region.

Maverick radio presenter Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey Santana is also lacing his boots to contest the Mfantseman seat on the ticket of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

With the confirmation, the radio presenter will be contesting incumbent MP Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, who doubles as the Central Regional Minister, if he decides to run again.

Renowned comedian, actor and entertainer, Seth Kwame Dzokoto, has revealed to Pulse.com.gh that he will contest the seat for the Tarkwa Nsuaem constituency.

He told Pulse.com.gh that “It is true I am contesting."

Felix Ofosu Kwakye is also going for the Ablekuma North slot, with the Mayor of Accra, Dr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuye, eyeing the Ablekuma South slot.

Fritz Baffour is the current MP there, but it is believed that he is not seeking re-election.

Baba Jamal is also seeking re-election at Akwatia, while Kobby Acheampong is eyeing the Cape Coast North slot, with the incumbent Barton Odro, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, not likely to contest the seat again.

Dr Paul Mark Arhin, who is the Deputy International Relations Director at the NDC Headquarters, is eyeing a seat in the Central Region.

At the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem, the late Prof J.E.A. Mills’s brother, Sam Atta Mills, is lacing his boots to contest the slot, while Ezanetor Rawlings, the daughter of former President Rawlings, is likely to contest the Korley Klottey slot.

In the Eastern Region, Owuraku Amofa, a former Deputy Minister of Tourism during President Rawlings's tenure, has resurfaced to contest as a parliamentary candidate on the ticket of the NDC in Abuakwa South.