In preparation for the impending New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary primaries on January 27, 2024, the Ashanti Regional Caucus of the Friends of Bawumia (FOB) conducted a detailed opinion poll among 300 delegates from the Asante Akim North seat.
The Asante Akim North caucus FOB adopted a strategy plan to assess voter preferences and trends in the district.
The poll was conducted face-to-face over five days, with each delegate spending around 30 to 40 minutes discussing their ideas.
The data was rigorously cross-tabulated and examined, providing a comprehensive knowledge of the views and voting preferences of different ethnic groups in the constituency.
The study examined a variety of features of the candidates, including their perceived strengths, preferences, dedication to certain candidates, appraisal of candidate information, and forecasts about indecisive voters.
The results offered a detailed assessment of the delegates’ emotions, which is critical for forecasting the outcome of the upcoming primaries.
The breakdown of delegates’ preferences is as follows:
Andy Kwame Appiah Kubi: – 25%
Kwadwo Baah Agyemang: -8%
Stephen Obeng Saka: – 5%
Kwasi Kwarteng: -42%
Dr. S. K. Frimpong: -20%
Based on one-on-one interactions with over 280 delegates, including 30 FOB coordinators who are also delegates in the Asante Akim North Constituency, several key observations were made through the research conducted:
1. Yearning for Change: Delegates expressed a strong desire for a change in the upcoming NPP Parliamentary Primaries.
2. Discontent with Incumbent MP: A significant majority of delegates indicated a reluctance to vote for the incumbent MP.
3. Overwhelming Support for Kwasi Kwarteng: 65 to 70% of the delegates have already decided to support Kwasi Kwarteng as their new Parliamentary Candidate.
4. Financial Motivation as a Factor: Delegates revealed that financial incentives play a crucial role in their decision-making process.
5. Fear of “Tagging”: Many delegates expressed apprehension about being labelled due to past commitments to the incumbent MP.
6. Division in Party Leadership: The primaries have led to significant divisions within the leadership structure of the party in the constituency.
The research emphasises that financial motive is no longer adequate in elections. Dedication, experience, dedication, and a tailored approach to delegates were identified as more important criteria.
During interviews with delegates, it was discovered that a sizable proportion (25%) lacked a clear knowledge of the obligations and functions connected with being a delegate, creating worries about superficial support.
The study also stated that the election album appeared biassed in favour of the incumbent MP, who is now unpopular and is projected to suffer in the 2024 general election.
According to the report, the incumbent MP’s popularity has declined. Despite Kwadwo Baah Agyeman’s declining popularity and Dr. S K Frimpong’s apparent softness, the study indicates that Kwasi Kwarteng, a respected scholar recognised for his humanitarian activities in the area, has emerged as the leader among the five contenders.
The article also says that if it hadn’t been for Dr. S K Frimpong’s multiple roots, he would have surprised everyone; unfortunately for him, many delegates who feel he is not a real Asante Akyem North indigene would vote against him.
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