The incumbent Member of Parliament for Suhum, Kwadjo Asante, is reportedly considering running as an independent candidate in the 2024 general elections after losing the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primary to Frank Asiedu Bekoe, popularly known as Protozoa, asaaseradio.com reports.
Kofi Tonto, an aide to NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, acknowledged the potential challenge this poses for the party during an appearance on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday, August 12.
Suhum is traditionally a stronghold of the NPP, and Asante’s independent bid could complicate the party’s chances in the pending elections.
“We do have a small challenge in Suhum because the current MP, who lost the primary to Protozoa, wants to contest as an independent,” Tonto stated.
However, Tonto added that efforts are underway to bring Asante back into the party’s fold.
He noted that Bryan Acheampong, MP for Abetifi, is leading the engagement with Asante in hopes of securing his support for the NPP in the December elections.
“Discussions are ongoing to bring him back to the fold. Honourable Bryan Acheampong is leading that charge to work with him to bring him back. I think we’ve made great gains in terms of engagement with him, and we hope that he will come on board to solidify our base as we move forward,” Tonto added.
Kwadjo Asante, who was seeking re-election, lost his bid for a second term in the NPP primary to Frank Asiedu Bekoe.
Bekoe secured 496 votes, while Asante received 320 votes.