Charles Opoku has emerged as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Assin North constituency of the Central Region. Opoku secured a decisive victory in the party’s parliamentary primary, receiving 397 votes out of the total valid votes cast, which amounted to 536.
Opoku’s only competitor, Freeman Amoah-Kyei, garnered 136 votes, while three ballots were rejected. This result paves the way for Charles Opoku to face off against James Gyakye Quayson of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the by-election scheduled for June 27, 2023.
In the 2020 parliamentary election, Quayson wrested the Assin North seat from Abena Durowaa of the NPP. However, a Supreme Court ruling based on the interpretation of the 1992 Constitution deemed Quayson ineligible to contest the election due to his dual citizenship status, holding Canadian citizenship at the time. Quayson had initiated the process of renouncing his Canadian citizenship but was awaiting the certificate of renunciation. The Supreme Court concluded that Quayson was not qualified when he filed his candidacy, leading to the declaration of the Assin North seat as vacant and necessitating the upcoming by-election.
Charles Opoku, a 40-year-old electrical engineer working at a private mining company in Tarkwa, Western Region, will now represent the NPP in the race. Hailing from Assin Bereku, Opoku enjoys strong support from NPP members, as evidenced by the jubilation that erupted in the streets of Assin Bereku following his victory announcement. Supporters expressed their confidence in Opoku, emphasizing his affability, honesty, and suitability for reclaiming the seat from the NDC.
Party members, including notable figures such as General Secretary Justin Frimpong Kodua and National Organiser Nana Boakye, were present during the primary. Opoku’s political involvement in Assin North, dating back to his days as a member of TESCON at the Cape Coast Technical University, has further bolstered his standing within the party.
With Charles Opoku now leading the charge, the NPP aims to capitalize on his credibility and the collective efforts of party members to reclaim the Assin North parliamentary seat in the upcoming by-election.
