The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Tema East constituency has said its strategies and efforts to retain the parliamentary seat in 2020 were whittled down and thwarted by internal wrangling which the party regrets deeply.  

NPP’s candidate at the time, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover lost to first-timer and former mayor of Tema, Isaac Ashai Odamtten of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) with about 10,000 votes difference in an area considered safe for NPP.

However, NPP is ready to make amends and form a united front ahead of the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024.

Tema East Constituency Chair, Nene Ofoe Agbadiagba disclosed this to Joy News when the sole parliamentary hopeful, Yohane Amarh Ashitey submitted his nomination form.

“We’re only after total victory in 2024 because we have rallied behind the sole candidate who filed and has demonstrated the sort of zeal to recapture the seat. We lost the seat in 2020 and it is a lesson learnt”

 “This time around, we have put our differences aside to unite and push our candidate to lead us to victory. There was no wrongdoing prior to the 2020 elections but we simply lacked a common understanding,” Nene Ofoe revealed.

According to him, the elephant is their winning symbol and will triumph by closing their ranks and working together as a party.  

After receiving the candidate’s nomination forms, Secretary of the party, Solomon Sackitey explained the next phase of the process.

“For us, it is not an event but a process and he has really filed his nomination. He will go through vetting and once he qualifies, he will be confirmed by popular acclamation for election 2024”

“We are also doing stakeholder engagement to ensure a win which is our main aim. Unlike a pressure group, we are building a formidable force as we’re a political party that wants to win power,” he shared.

The party remains resolute and is leaving nothing to chance.

“Each election has its own dynamics and I admit that we couldn’t build the kind of cohesion needed to maintain the seat. We were divided. When brothers fight a stranger will inherit what is rightfully theirs, ” he advised.

Nene Sackitey revealed that all the factors that ruined their unity have swayed in favour of Yohane Amarh Ashitey and those who led the charge ahead of the defeat in the 2020 elections are putting their energy in the right place to right the wrong.

“ This is a new dawn for NPP in Tema East. Recently, former MP, Evans Ashong Narh chaired a meeting as part of stakeholder engagement in Tema for religious groups, market queens, youth groups, fishers and any other group that matters and will soon engage the media.

NPP’s Tema East parliamentary hopeful, Yohane Amarh Ashitey en route to the party office at Tema New Town led scores of elated party faithful under police protection, danced to 'jama' and tunes from a brass band through the streets as he responded to cheers from residents and interacted with them.   

He is confident victory beckons and nothing can stop it from happening.

“It’s unfortunate we lost as this could be likened to the jungle where when the lion sleeps all the animals would want to have fun but once the lion is awakened, every other animal runs for cover. We are awake after our defeat,” he warned.

Asked if he were ready for parliament, he responded in the affirmative.

“I know what an MP does and as the current mayor of Tema, I have gained so much experience in bringing ideas to develop a particular area and its people.  Being in parliament will be the icing on the cake as far as Tema East is concerned”

He was quick to thank former MP, Daniel Titus-Glover for showing support which is part of the unity being touted.  

Former MP, Daniel Titus-Glover is happy with the party singing from the same hymn book.

“A lot has gone under the bridge and nothing beats a united front. It’s so refreshing to have a candidate like Yohane Amarh Ashitey who is a true son of the soil.

"The party is really ready for victory.  We will campaign on our achievement during my tenure and that of President Akufo-Addo and with the love demonstrated, victory is in sight,” he assured.

Yohane Amarh Ashitey flanked by his wife, Mrs. Lola Asiseh Ashitey,  former MP, Titus-Glover, party executive and faithful, NPP sees this as a big win.

The supporters wore party paraphernalia including T-shirts with “Yohane sane kpakpa” to wit “Yohane’s good news” inscribed on them.

The candidate received blessings from elders and priests including Saku Wulormor, Nuumo Ashiboye Kofi II who prayed to God and the ancestors to lead Yohane Amarh Ashitey to victory in 2024.