Defeated parliamentary candidate at Bekwai to go independent?

Bekwai (Ash), Aug 17, GNA - Mr Joe Osei-Owusu, who lost the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primary in the Amansie East constituency, has said he would soon come out as to whether to stand as an independent candidate in the constituency.

He said his decision had become necessary following persistent calls by his followers to go independent to save the seat from going into the hands of an unpopular person.

Mr Osei-Owusu made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen at Bekwai at the weekend.

He lost by 69 to 70 votes to the Member of Parliament, Mr Kofi Adusei Poku, in the primary held at Kokofu.

This generated protests from his supporters who claimed one of the delegates at the primary was not a qualified voter. They went on a demonstration and clashed with the police that resulted in injuries to many people.

Mr Osei-Owusu presented a petition to the National Executive Committee of the NPP but it was ignored and Mr Poku was declared the winner.

Mr Osei-Owusu called on his supporters to remain calm as he contemplates on whether or not to go independent.

He said he had already tendered in his resignation as the Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to the President through the Minister of Transportation.