Baah-Wiredu retained as NPP Candidate

Agogo-Ashanti, May 9, GNA - Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning was on Thursday re-elected New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for Asante Akim North Constituency in Election 2008.

Mr Baah-Wiredu incumbent Member of Parliament, polled 90 votes as against 58 by Mr Andy Appiah-Kubi, his opponent at the constituency primaries held at Agogo-Ashanti.

The election characterized by tension and anxiety among supporters of the candidates was held under tight security following a demonstration against the venue by some party sympathisers on the eve of the election.

Mr Mensah Bonsu, Asante Akim North Municipal Electoral Officer, who declared the results was greeted with jubilation by supporters of Mr Baah-Wiredu.

Mr Baah-Wiredu who has represented the constituency since 1996 expressed appreciation to the delegates for the confidence reposed in him, saying, it confirmed his excellent track record over the years. He called for unity among the supporters to ensure victory in December.

Mr Appiah Kubi pledged his support to Mr Baah-Wiredu's campaign. Nana Adu Asabre, Asante Akim North Constituency Chairman of the Party, called for unity among the supporters.

In another development, Dr Anthony Akoto Osei, Minister of State in charge of Finance and Economic Planning and Member of Parliament for Old-Tafo Constituency has been re-elected unopposed as NPP Parliamentary Candidate.

The election supervised by officials of Electoral Commission informed the delegates that another contestant Mr Kwadwo Owusu-Afriyie, a Kumasi-based Legal Practitioner withdrew to make Dr Osei the sole candidate.

Dr Osei said the acclamation symbolized the resolve by the delegates and supporters to unite and forge ahead to ensure victory. He pledged to serve them to ensure accelerated growth and development of the constituency.

Mr Robert Owusu Amankwaah, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Party, expressed appreciation to the delegates for the confidence reposed in Dr Osei.