Some NDC supporters in the Asawasi Constituency in Kumasi are asking their Member of Parliament to rescind his decision to seek re-election in next year’s polls. They want Mubarak Muntaka to step aside for fresh people to contest in order to restore what they say is the dented image of the constituency caused by corruption allegations against him. Party activists fear the NDC could lose the seat in 2012 following the corruption allegations leveled against him. Asawasi is one of the three seats held by the NDC in the Ashanti Region, considered the electoral world bank of the opposition NPP. Voting in the Muslim-dominated constituency has often been characterized by tension between the two leading parties. Incumbent MP, Alhaji Muntaka first won the seat in a bye-election, following the death of NDC’s Dr. Gibril Adamu in 2005, and again in the 2008 general elections. Muntaka’s appointment as Minister of Youth and Sports was hailed by the NDC fraternity and even some opposition elements in the Ashanti Region. The reason being that, Alhaji Muntaka was one of four people from the region to have been given ministerial portfolios. The euphoria was however short-lived as his infamous corruption allegations of financial impropriety forced him to resign his post. He was later cleared of the allegations by CHRAJ. Alhaji Muntaka’s critics say the corruption allegation had made NDC a laughing stock in Asawasi. One of his critics is his opponent in upcoming constituency primaries. Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed said he is joining the race to reclaim the reputation of the NDC and the people of Asawasi in general. He says the electorates in the constituency have been vilified by corruption allegations against the sitting MP, Muntaka Mubarak. The 40 year old US-based Business and Management Analyst told journalists after submitting his nomination forms for party primaries it is time to purge Asawasi of the bad name. “Muntaka all over the place… Asawasi reputation is dwindling everyday and its not going to change until the cause of the problem is changed, is the MP, he has to go”, he stressed. According to Alhaji Mustapha Ahmed, giving Hon Muntaka the nod to represent the party in 2012 will not only give the opposition NPP the urge over NDC, but a campaign message as well. “If you don’t change him and he is part of this campaign in 2012, he has provided the NPP with campaign message…And for that matter, we need to change him”. The parliamentary aspirant who holds a ‘Golden Membership Card’ has since 1992 financed party activities while contributing to the party’s parliamentary successes since 2004. But some constituents appear to share the same view with the parliamentary aspirant. They confirmed to Nhyira News corruption allegations leveled against Alhaji Muntaka has made them a laughing stock among their opponents. They want him to rescind his decision to contest. One supporter said: “Gone are the days when you mention Asawasi,people think it is world bank of NDC in Ashanti region..but today anytime you mention it, people make mention of Kyinkyinka or pampers”. We want to get rid of him (Muntaka) not only because he did not help developed Asawasi but it is because of the canker he represents for Asawasi people” another added. Majority of respondents who spoke with passion want their MP step aside to allow fresh limbs contest the seat to ‘purge the constituency of corruption tag’. Alhaji Ahmed says his priority, among others, would be to help improve the lot of people in the constituency through credit for small businesses. He also wants to mount a campaign against exploitation of women by men who demand sex in return for jobs or appointment. Nhyira News sources say Alhaji Muntaka and his opponents could soon face the party’s Vetting Committee this week.