In the heart of Bantama Constituency, a fierce battle for political supremacy is unfolding, with Assin Central Legislator, Kennedy Agyapong, leading a relentless campaign to unseat the incumbent Member of Parliament, Francis Asenso-Boakye. This political showdown is fueled by a deeply personal feud, marked by allegations of insults and a determined effort by Agyapong to thwart Asenso-Boakye’s bid for a second term.
Agyapong, self-proclaimed as the wealthiest politician, has explicitly stated his commitment to preventing Asenso-Boakye’s return to parliament. Temporarily relocating to the Bantama Constituency, Agyapong strategically aims to reshape the political landscape, posing a formidable challenge to Asenso’s established presence.
At the center of Agyapong’s political crosshairs is Francis Asenso-Boakye, facing stiff competition not only from Ralph Agyapong but also from Kennedy Agyapong.
Asenso-Boakye, a trusted confidante of President Akufo-Addo, now finds himself directly accused by Agyapong of collecting illicit payments before granting access to the President.
While similar claims about members of the president’s inner circle surfaced years ago, Mr. Agyapong has revived these allegations against the incumbent member of parliament. He vehemently urges delegates to reject Asenso-Boakye, citing him as unfit for the job.
In a bold and conditional move, Agyapong has issued a threat, hinting at the possibility of explosive revelations concerning alleged corruption by Asenso-Boakye if he secures re-election. The stakes are undeniably high, with Agyapong dedicating his efforts to campaigning ardently for his brother in the upcoming primaries.
“In fact, I was referring to Asenso when I cautioned elements at the Jubilee House to stop embarrassing the president with their bribery spree… You should be ashamed of yourself to go and vote for a corrupt MP like Asenso again,” Kennedy said in an interactive session with delegates.
“If you make a mistake and vote for Asenso, you will all bear witness to the revelations I will unveil. It is a condition,” Mr. Agyapong stated. “If you don’t want me to talk, vote against him. If you want me to talk, vote for him because we will not allow them to destroy Ghana.”
Mr. Agyapong appears to be endorsing an investor’s claim. Claude Davit alleges that he was coerced into paying $20,000 to the Minister during his tenure as Deputy Chief of Staff. The Minister, however, denied the accusation in a statement issued on November 29, 2023, by his media assistant, Paul Yandoh.
As the political drama continues to unfold, Asenso-Boakye has yet to formally address the allegations of corruption and government land sales, despite previous denials. Adding another layer of complexity, a recent endorsement by President Akufo-Addo has set the stage for a tense showdown between political heavyweights, intensifying the already charged atmosphere in Bantama.
Several factors will influence the outcome of the parliamentary primary in Bantama Constituency, notably the impact of Agyapong’s allegations. The decision of Bantama Delegates to potentially break their one-term policy, established after Cecilia Abena Dapaah, will play a pivotal role.
The impending primary, scheduled for January 27, 2024, involving 871 delegates, will ultimately decide the fate of Bantama Constituency. Positioned as the epicenter of a proxy war, Bantama’s political landscape hangs in the balance, with the outcome poised to reshape the constituency’s representation and leave a lasting impact on its political trajectory.
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