By Kofi Ahovi
Quaranchie Nii Adama Tetteh has been elected chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Okaikwei South Constituency, pledging unity within the party and warning the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) against attempts to reclaim the parliamentary seat.
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Tetteh secured 1,045 votes in the constituency executive elections held on Saturday, October 24, defeating Ishmael Baby Nii Ankrah, who polled 584 votes, and Shamusu Mohammed, who obtained 86 votes.
In his victory speech, the newly elected chairman declared that the constituency had become an NDC stronghold and promised to work with party members to retain the seat.
The Okaikwei South seat has come to stay with the NDC, and we will protect it,” he said, sending a clear message to the NPP.
He pledged to unite members at the constituency level, stressing the need to put differences arising from the internal elections behind them and work towards a common goal.
Tetteh congratulated all aspirants for participating in what he described as a fair electoral contest. He also commended delegates for their patience and diligence throughout the campaign and election process, praising their commitment to what he described as a just cause.
Marion Nyaaba emerges as vice chairperson
Marion Gifty Nyaaba emerged as one of the major winners of the elections, securing the vice chairperson position with 613 votes to defeat four other contenders.
The result makes her the constituency’s vice chairperson and the only woman elected to that position in the contest.
Her victory has been welcomed by supporters who see it as a reward for her persistence and willingness to listen to party members.
Four years ago, Nyaaba contested for the constituency communication position but failed to win. When she considered her political prospects uncertain after that defeat, supporters encouraged her to contest for vice chairperson instead.
Her decision to heed their advice appears to have paid off, with delegates giving her the mandate to serve as the constituency’s second-highest executive officer.
Her election also presents an opportunity for her to bring her experience and relationships within the party to the constituency’s leadership as the new executives work towards consolidating the NDC’s position.
Calls for unity and grassroots support
Some voters who congratulated Tetteh on his victory urged him to remain vigilant about the people he surrounds himself with, warning him against sycophants who might undermine his leadership.
They encouraged him to listen to ordinary party members, remain accessible and ensure that the interests of the grassroots were reflected in decisions taken by the new administration.
Ebenezer Botchway, Awudome Ward Coordinator, also called on the new chairman to prioritise unity and ensure that grassroots members were adequately catered for.
We suffered to win the seat from the NPP. We expect him to work to ensure the seat is retained, and the grassroots who worked day and night for the win are catered for,” he said.
Botchway’s comments reflected the expectations of party members who believe that the efforts of polling station agents, ward organisers, volunteers and other supporters must be recognised as the new executives assume office.
The appeal for unity comes at a time when the newly elected leadership is expected to bring together supporters of the various aspirants and channel their energies towards strengthening the party’s electoral prospects.
Other elected executives
Other winners in the Okaikwei South Constituency executive elections include Evans Okoe Quaye, who won the secretary position with 1,088 votes, and Nii Armah Aryeetey, who secured the deputy secretary position with 953 votes.
Peter Mensah won the organiser position with 1,038 votes, while Richard Nii Kpakpo Quartey was elected deputy organiser with 1,130 votes.
Barnor Sackey Ransford secured the treasurer position with 1,068 votes, and Richard Mensah-Frimpong won deputy treasurer with 963 votes.
Daniel Omaboe was elected communication officer with 985 votes, while John Kwame Mawuli Kpogli won the deputy communication officer position with 745 votes.
Issifu Adams won youth organiser, Atsu Selorm Bedi was elected deputy youth organiser, and Helena Yaa Nkrumah secured the women organiser position. Drina Ankrah won deputy women organiser, Prince Okyere was elected other youth representative, and Musah Ibn Ishaq secured the Zongo caucus coordinator position.
Eight executive members were also elected to complete the constituency’s executive team.
With the elections concluded, attention now turns to whether the new leadership can translate its mandate into stronger internal cohesion, sustained grassroots engagement and a united effort to retain the constituency for the NDC.
