The race for the Tano South parliamentary seat in the Ahafo Region is heating up as incumbent MP Benjamin Yeboah Sekyere of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) faces tough competition from Charles Asiedu of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and independent candidate Kofi Nti.
In the 2020 election, the NPP held the seat by a narrow margin of 2,303 votes over the NDC. Although the NPP has maintained a slight advantage in the constituency since it first won in 2000, this year’s race is particularly competitive following the close results last time.
With a constituency that has historically seen tight margins, there is speculation over whether the NDC or the independent candidate could gain the upper hand on December 7.
Tano South, one of six constituencies in the Ahafo Region, has Bechem as its capital, located along the Sunyani-Kumasi Highway.
The constituency spans 489 square kilometres, bordered by the Tano North Municipality, Offinso Municipality, Ahafo Ano South-West District, and Ahafo Ano North Municipal. Other major towns include Techimantia, Derma, and Dwomo.
According to Channel One Research Unit, the NPP since 2000 has largely held Tano South, except for 2012 when the NDC briefly claimed the seat with Dr. Hanna Louisa Bissiw. The NPP regained it in 2016 and has won five out of the eight parliamentary elections held in the constituency since 1992.
In the December 2024 race, three candidates are vying for the seat: Benjamin Yeboah Sekyere, the incumbent and Deputy Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection; Charles Asiedu of the NDC; and Kofi Nti, an independent candidate.
With a close 2020 result, where Sekyere won 52.76% of the votes to Bissiw’s 47.24%, the stakes are high. Provisional data from the Tano South Municipal Electoral Commission shows 52,375 registered voters expected to cast their ballots at 146 polling stations across the constituency on December 7.
Benjamin Owusu Sekyere, the incumbent Member of Parliament, disclosed,” When I assumed office in 2016, I have been able to help to ensure the construction of portions of Bechem town roads, Bechem – Techimantia-Akomadan road.
“If I get the nod, I will ensure the road to Derma is constructed. I will also ensure the extension of electricity to communities without some. I have been able to secure jobs for some of my constituents and be doing more in this area. ”
Kofi Nti, an independent candidate said,” The constituency is an agrarian area, we need to add value to our products, especially tomatoes, that is what I want to do for the constituency getting a factory to add value to our tomatoes this will go along way to employ the most of the youth.”
The NDC’s Communications Director for Tano South, Sani Sita, discussed Charles Asiedu’s chances in the election.
“We are targeting the base, especially the youth who are about 57% of the registered votes if we can capture them, then Charles Asiedu will win the seat.”
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