The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is preparing to name Andrew Asiamah Amoako, the current second deputy speaker of Parliament and independent MP for Fomena, as its candidate for the 2024 general elections.
This decision represents a major shift in the relationship between Asiamah and the NPP, following his earlier expulsion under contentious circumstances. It signals a potential reconciliation and a new phase in their political partnership.
William Kusi, the secretary of the Ashanti Regional NPP Reconciliation Committee and a lawyer, confirmed the news and explained the rationale behind it.
Kusi indicated that the choice to select Asiamah as the NPP candidate is a strategic move aligned with the party’s best interests. He noted that the unusual circumstances of Asiamah’s departure and his significant role in strengthening the NPP’s majority in Parliament were pivotal factors in this decision. By reintegrating Asiamah, the party aims to leverage his influence and expertise in the forthcoming elections.
Asiamah’s departure from the NPP before the 2020 elections was marked by controversy due to internal disputes with party leaders. Despite his expulsion, he ran as an independent candidate for the Fomena seat and won, which prevented the NPP from securing a clear parliamentary majority.
In an unexpected turn, Asiamah aligned with the NPP’s Majority Caucus after his re-election as an independent, providing the party with a slim majority and helping them maintain control of the legislative agenda.
This alignment highlighted Asiamah’s continued commitment to the NPP’s objectives, showing his readiness to overcome past conflicts and work towards shared goals.