In a few weeks to come, the country will go to the polls to elect legislators to represent constituents of various constituencies in the country. This year’s elections like any other year’s is keenly contested on all fronts and no party will leave no stone unturned till they see they have won the elections.
One of such constituencies which is a must watch is the Bolgatanga central seat which is keenly contested by the New Patriotic Party’s REX Asanga, Peoples National Convention’s Thomas Akurugu, National Democratic Congress’s Isaac Adongo and the Convention Peoples Party’s Latifa Abdul-Rahman.
The Bolgatanga seat has been occupied by only the governing NDC and the PNC and is yet to fall to the New Patriotic Party and the Convention Peoples Party.
The New Patriotic Party in the constituency has vowed to grab the seat this year in memory of their deceased Regional Chairman, Adams Mahama who when alive was working assiduously to see the NPP clinch victory come December 7. With this in mind, the New Patriotic Party has been very visible and started her campaign in the constituency last year, a clear indication of their preparedness to grab power from the governing NDC. Although the NPP has not won this seat, its performance in previous elections is a clear indication that the party’s dream could be made reality.
Rex Asanga since his election as the parliamentary candidate of the NPP in the constituency has been on the grounds vehemently taking advantage of every gathering to show his presence. Often referred to as a ‘grassroot’ man following his synergy with the people through his work with a Non-Governmental Organization, it might not be far fetched to say that his resonance with the people is solid. It is however often said that politics is a game that goes beyond what we see and hear. Would Rex Asanga’s long term relationship with the rural folks in most communities where he has worked pay off?
Regardless of the work being done by the NPP to catch the hearts of electorates, the Peoples National Convention which took over power in the constituency from 2000-2008 also has the numbers and is benefiting from the supposed deep seated crack in the NDC in the constituency. Earlier this year, posters of their candidate, Thomas Akurugu and John Dramani Mahama emerged in the constituency sending shivers down the spine of the NDC and bringing to bare the cracks in the NDC. This was confirmed when known NDC faithful were seen openly campaigning for the PNC at the party’s campaign launch at Serigu over the weekend. It is feared that the PNC would make a significant impact in the upcoming election and would most likely reduce the votes of candidates of the two major political parties especially the NDC.
Chances of the NDC’s Isaac Adongo cannot be ruled out in the upcoming elections, political pundits in the constituency say. Although he has not had a smooth run after he was elected to represent the party in November last year, he will ride on the back of the popularity of his party as he goes into the upcoming elections. Although some political watchers think not starting his campaign on time will have an effect on his chances, some think it will not be a problem considering the kind of party he is representing. Isaac Adongo is a known face when it comes to ‘grassroot’ politics; something which gives him a hold on the youth and will make the best out of this.
However, missing in action is the candidate representing the Convention Peoples Party, Madam Latifa Abdul-Rahman. Not much is heard of this candidate. Posters of her are scarcely seen in the constituency as though she is not even in the race.
The countdown is on and Bolgatanga central constituency is simply unpredictable unlike others. The verdict of the people can’t be determined now.
By: Offei-Akoto Ayeh/A1RADIOONLINE.COM/GHANA
