A wave of youthful enthusiasm is sweeping through the Bolgatanga Central constituency, as a group of young men called Friends of Prosper are drumming up support for Prosper Ayinbilla Awuni, a native of Tindonmolgo in the Bolgatanga Municipality, a young Economics Unicorn from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, currently working at the Ministry of Finance to contest the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries when the time comes.
The youth believe Mr Awuni is the “right person” to lead the constituency into the next general election, when the party opens nominations for its primaries, expected in 2026 or 2027.
The group’s intentions came to light when they donated a 55-inch television and an undisclosed amount of money on behalf of Mr Awuni to support the ongoing Upper East Regional Passport Office project.
Speaking exclusively to A1 Radio, a member of the group, Augustine Asabila, described Prosper as a “son of the land” who embodies the aspirations of the youth.
“Ayinbilla Prosper is from Tindonmolgo, and though he works in Accra with the Ministry of Finance, we see him as one of us. Every human being, if God blesses you, you are supposed to look back and give back to your people. That is what we have done on behalf of Prosper through this donation, and that is why we are rooting for him,” he said.
Mr Asabila explained that the formation of Friends of Prosper is grounded in the belief that leadership is a ladder, and the youth must support individuals who show promise academically, socially, and morally.
“Today it’s me, tomorrow it’s you. We have seen Prosper climb the ladder of life, and now we want to push him up the political ladder too. We think he has what it takes to represent Bolga Central,” he added.
Asked whether Prosper himself is aware of their campaign, Mr Asabila said that while the young technocrat has not officially declared his intentions, they are convinced that he is the right person to represent the constituents of Bolga Central, and they will engage him privately to accept the challenge.
“He has not made a public declaration, but we will convince him to take up the mantle because we think he is the right person to represent the constituency in the next general election. In politics, you don’t just wake up and declare. The people have to call you, and that’s what we are doing,” Mr Asabila explained.
The group dismissed suggestions that it is too early to start campaigning, arguing that planning and grassroots mobilisation must begin long before the primaries.
“If you want to travel to Accra, you don’t just close your eyes and appear there. You buy a ticket, prepare, and make the journey. That’s exactly what we are doing now. It’s not too early,” Asabila argued.
He further addressed concerns that their advocacy could create division within the NDC or attract sanctions from party executives.
“We are not party officers. We are party members, and there is nothing in the party’s constitution that says if you want someone to lead you in the future, you should be suspended. This is about choice and democracy,” he stressed.
On the question of whether their move signals dissatisfaction with the performance of incumbent MP, Isaac Adongo, who is in parliament for the third term, Mr Asabila was cautious.
“It is not about saying Mr Adongo has failed. Politics is not a family property. If you are doing well, the contest will prove it. Our interest is for Prosper to offer himself as an alternative, and we, the youth, believe he is the right man for this time,” he stated.
The group emphasised that their advocacy cuts beyond Bolga Central, drawing support from other constituencies. According to them, their friendship with Prosper transcends boundaries, and they are committed to “lifting him from where he is to another level.”
The endorsement of Prosper Ayinbilla Awuni by Friends of Prosper sets the stage for what could be a keenly contested NDC primary in Bolgatanga Central, should he eventually accept their call to run.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah
