In a closely contested parliamentary election in the Obuasi West Constituency, Kwaku Kwarteng of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) emerged victorious, securing 18,470 votes to maintain his position as the Member of Parliament. Faustilove Appiah Kanin of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) trailed with 15,244 votes, while independent candidate Odeneho Appianin Ennin garnered an impressive 7,000 votes, shaking the traditional two-party dominance.
The Independent Factor: Odeneho Appianin Ennin’s Impact
Odeneho Appianin Ennin, a prominent businessman and former NPP chairman hopeful, entered the race as an independent candidate following dissatisfaction with the NPP’s internal processes. His campaign emphasized addressing voter apathy and prioritizing development over partisan loyalty. Ennin’s grassroots efforts, supported by his NGO, resonated with a significant segment of the electorate, particularly youth and women who had benefited from his initiatives. While his 7,000 votes were not enough to win, they highlight the evolving dynamics in Obuasi West, where voters are increasingly willing to consider alternatives beyond the two major parties
Faustilove Appiah Kanin’s Challenge
Representing the NDC, Faustilove Appiah Kanin focused her campaign on addressing socio-economic challenges in the constituency, including unemployment and inadequate infrastructure. Her 15,244 votes marked a strong showing for the NDC, which has historically struggled to gain traction in the Ashanti Region, a stronghold for the NPP
Kwaku Kwarteng’s Victory and Next Steps
Kwaku Kwarteng’s win solidifies his fourth term as MP for Obuasi West, reflecting continued support for his leadership and the NPP’s policies. In a statement, the MP assured his constituents of his unwavering commitment to serving them to the best of his ability.
Hon. Kwarteng also extended his appreciation to the constituency for their support of the NPP presidential candidate, though he acknowledged the party’s inability to secure a mandate to form the next government. Despite the NPP transitioning to opposition, the MP vowed to advocate for key development projects initiated under the party’s administration and to hold the incoming Mahama-led government accountable to the people of Obuasi West.
Among the projects highlighted were the completion of the Obuasi Town Roads initiative and the Obuasi Rural Roads project. He emphasized the community’s anticipation of progress on the Obuasi-Aduadin Rail Project, which has already received parliamentary approval, and called for solutions to persistent flooding in homes during the rainy season.
“It is the expectation of the people that efforts by the NPP government to address these pressing concerns will be continued and completed by the new government,” Hon. Kwarteng stated.
The MP reiterated his commitment to standing with his constituents to advocate for their developmental needs. As he embarks on another term, Hon. Kwarteng pledged to work tirelessly to ensure Obuasi West continues to benefit from key infrastructural and social interventions.