The Ministry of Roads and Highways has initiated discussions with key stakeholders to finalize the decision to reinstate road tolls in Ghana.
According to the sector minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye, the reintroduction of road tolls is necessary to aid the government in repairing the country’s deteriorating roads.
In 2021, the Ministry of Roads and Highways directed the cessation of toll collection nationwide, effective November 18, 2021. This decision was made to alleviate traffic congestion at toll booths and in anticipation of the introduction of the e-levy, which was met with mixed reactions from the public.
Speaking on the matter, Mr. Asenso-Boakye emphasized the importance of seeking the buy-in of key stakeholders before reintroducing road tolls.
“[Road] maintenance also means money. In many countries, they use the tolls that they collect from road tolls to finance maintenance. But in our case, we have suspended it, and I think it is a good time for us to start the discussion to bring these road tolls back and get money to maintain our roads.
“That is very important, and we have started the process by engaging the various stakeholders to get their buy-in to make sure that we bring the road tolls back,” he said.
The ministry is engaging with various groups to ensure that the decision is well-received and understood by all parties involved.
The reinstatement of road tolls is expected to provide the government with additional revenue to fund road maintenance and improvement projects across the country.
Progress on the rehabilitation and enhancement of the Kasoa-Winneba road is moving forward steadily, as contractors indicate that significant portions will be finished and accessible to traffic by before this year’s end.
Minister of Roads and Highways, Francis Asenso-Boakye, inspected the roadworks during his visit to the Central Region to evaluate ongoing infrastructure projects, receiving the update on Tuesday.
Acknowledging the contractors’ progress, Asenso-Boakye emphasized the importance of opening major segments before Christmas to alleviate congestion issues for motorists, who have long faced severe traffic along the route.
Contractors remain confident in meeting the year-end target for substantial completion of crucial sections, underscoring the project’s consistent advancement.
The minister’s visit provided firsthand insight into the ongoing work and the state of vital road infrastructure in the region.
Persistent traffic congestion along the Kasoa-Winneba corridor has posed challenges for commuters and businesses, making these developments crucial for improvement.
Roads Minister, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has stated his inability to offer specific timelines for the completion of the stalled PTC Interchange in Takoradi due to lack of control over funding.
The groundbreaking for the three-tier PTC interchange at the Kwame Nkrumah Roundabout in Takoradi took place in September 2020, prior to the general elections.
However, actual construction commenced 10 months later, following numerous demonstrations.
Initially scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2023, the project has been halted for nearly a year and a half.
Sino-Hydro contractors vacated the site on January 15, 2023, due to the withdrawal of creditor support during IMF negotiations.
The anticipated PTC Interchange project, intended to alleviate traffic in and around Takoradi, now lies neglected and deteriorating, causing inconvenience to motorists and residents. According to project consultants, thieves have begun pilfering construction materials.
Mr. Asenso-Boakye, accompanied by the Western Regional Minister and project consultant, inspected the abandoned project site.
Expressing sympathy for the residents of Sekondi-Takoradi affected by the project’s abandonment, he mentioned the government’s plans for temporary works at the site.
However, he did not provide a timeline for these works or the resumption of the major interchange project.
When pressed for a timeline, the Minister refrained from giving one, emphasizing his role in securing funding.
He stated, “I’m the Roads Minister, but I’m not responsible for funding. Once I receive the designs and estimates, I will engage the Finance Ministry to secure necessary funding…the most crucial aspect is my dedication, and I prefer not to focus on timelines during this interview.”
In addition to inspecting the ongoing dualization of the Sekondi to Takoradi road, the Minister also assessed the poor condition of the Takoradi to Agona Nkwanta road, the deteriorated Kojokrom roads, and roads in the Shama District.
He stated, “Government recognises that it is a major issue and we have been working feverishly with our creditors so that we can arrange the necessary funding. That notwithstanding, I’m aware of the concern of residents here in Sekondi-Takoradi about the inconvenience that this construction has brought to them and as a result, we are taking a decision to make sure that a part of the contract is taken out from the main contract with the Sino-Hydro contractors given to a different contractor with new funding to complete some minimal interventions on the ground here to reduce the inconvenience”.
When asked about a timeline, the Minister did not provide one, stating, “I’m the Roads Minister but I don’t provide the funds so once I get the designs and the estimates, I will engage the Finance Ministry to raise the necessary funding…the most important thing is my commitment and I don’t want this interview to be a subject of timelines. That is not healthy.”
Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Bantama constituency, Francis Asenso-Boakye, criticized former President John Mahama, suggesting that he is not adequately prepared for the presidency.
Asenso-Boakye’s comments were in response to Mahama’s recent statement about needing a “honeymoon period” if elected in 2025, which Asenso-Boakye interpreted as a sign of unpreparedness and a reluctance to immediately address the nation’s challenges.
Speaking at a New Patriotic Party (NPP) gathering during the acclamation of Samuel Abu Jinapor as the parliamentary candidate for Damongo in the Savanna region, Asenso-Boakye underscored the importance of Ghanaians electing Vice President Dr. Bawumia, the NPP’s presidential candidate for the December election.
Asenso-Boakye highlighted Bawumia’s readiness and active engagement in governance as reasons for his endorsement.
“Former President John Mahama’s statement regarding needing a honeymoon period indicates his lack of preparedness for the job,” Asenso-Boakye asserted. “We cannot entrust our nation to someone who seeks to delay action while leadership is urgently needed.”
In contrast, Asenso-Boakye praised Dr. Bawumia’s readiness, stating, “Dr. Bawumia will hit the ground running from day one, addressing the challenges facing our nation with his bold solutions.”
At a recent New Patriotic Party (NPP) gathering, Francis Asenso-Boakye expressed confidence in the NPP’s track record of development and urged Ghanaians to reward the party’s hard work by supporting its candidates. He specifically commended Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Damongo MP, as a diligent young leader dedicated to the progress of his constituents, urging voters to rally behind him in the 2024 elections for continued development in the region.
The event featured speeches from other prominent NPP officials, including Hon. Stephen Asamoah Boateng, Minister for Chieftaincy and Culture; Fatimatu Abubakar, Information Minister designate; General Secretary of the party, Justin Frimpong Koduah, and various dignitaries.
Member of Parliament for the Bantama Constituency in the Ashanti Region, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has strongly criticized political figures in the Ashanti region, particularly in the Bantama constituency, who align themselves with the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
He expressed his disapproval, stating that supporters who choose to vote for the NDC are making misguided decisions, emphasizing that the NDC has not brought any tangible benefits to the Ashanti region, specifically in Bantama.
During his address to the constituency’s residents, the Minister for Works and Housing conveyed his confusion about the continued support for the NDC and questioned the rationale behind people persistently voting for the party.
“Truly, people of Bantama and Kumasi in general don’t see any development when the NDC is in power so if someone is here and the person votes for the NDC, I don’t understand them. They know that when NDC is in power they don’t recognize the Ashanti region. During former president John Dramani Mahama’s 4 years in power we didn’t see anything here,” Asenso Boakye stated.
Additionally, the Minister urged the residents of Bantama and the entire Ashanti Region to actively participate in the electoral process by casting their votes overwhelmingly in favor of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) during the upcoming general elections.
He emphasized that, in his view, the NDC is not a viable option for fostering development in the region, reinforcing the importance of supporting the NPP for continued progress.
“If you want development in the Ashanti region and Bantama to be precise don’t look down on NPP because NDC is not an option. So I will urge you to settle all your differences and come out in your numbers to vote in this year’s general elections,” he entreated.
In the recent New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries leading up to the December 7 polls, Francis Asenso Boakye successfully retained his position as the party’s candidate for the Bantama Constituency.
Mr. Asenso Boakye secured a significant victory, receiving 650 votes, which accounted for 78.22% of the total votes cast. His primary opponent, Lawyer Raphael Agyapong, the brother of outspoken politician Kennedy Agyapong, garnered 181 votes, constituting 21.78% of the overall vote count.
Expressing his gratitude, the re-elected Member of Parliament thanked party executives for their unwavering support and trust. He urged party members to come together, emphasizing the importance of unity and hard work in ensuring success in the upcoming general elections.
Member of Parliament for Bantama and Minister for Works and Housing, Asenso-Boakye, has refuted allegations of accepting bribes from business individuals seeking meetings with President Akufo-Addo.
The accusations were made by Kennedy Agyapong before the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries, claiming that Asenso-Boakye demanded $20,000 from a businessman for access to the President.
In response, Asenso-Boakye dismissed the allegations as baseless during an interview on Accra-based Starr FM.
“Anytime that someone mentions this because it is a fabrication and a deliberate attempt to soil my hard-won reputation, they use somebody outside the country. I hear some Indians; let them come. Recently, some white guy from nowhere who can’t be traced…I’ve not done that,” he said.
He expressed shock over the accusations, pointing out that, during his tenure as Deputy Chief of Staff, his responsibilities at the Jubilee House did not involve scheduling meetings for business people with the President.
Asenso Boakye challenged the credibility of the claims against him, emphasizing that they lack merit.
Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has lauded President Akufo-Addo for his outstanding performance in managing the nation’s affairs.
The Member of Parliament for Bantama expressed that, in his view, Ghanaians could not have asked for a better president at the current time.
During an appearance on Starr Chat on Starr FM with Bola Ray on Thursday, Asenso Boakye, who previously served as a Deputy Chief of Staff at the Presidency, highlighted President Akufo-Addo’s exemplary leadership, particularly emphasizing the President’s effective handling of challenges during the COVID-19 period.
“He has been amazing. We couldn’t have had a better president at this time. Especially during the difficult times of COVID, I was right by him and the kind of leadership that he provided. Things could have been worse if we didn’t have Akufo-Addo as President at that time, even times that he had to make decisions to put the country on lockdown.
”Akufo-Addo, I believe that apart from programmes and policies he put in place, the kind of leadership he provided I believe no other president could do better.”
Francis Asenso-Boakye therefore assigned a high score of 90% to the president for his adept management of the country’s affairs.
Expressing confidence in Akufo-Addo’s legacy, Asenso-Boakye predicted that in the next ten years, future generations would commend the President for his impactful policies and programs, particularly highlighting the Free Senior High School initiative.
Member of Parliament for Bantama Constituency and Minister for Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, is of the assertion that it Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia must choose his running mate from the Ashanti Region to better his chances of winning the 2024 elections.
According to Asenso-Boakye, having a candidate from the Ashanti Region as Dr. Bawumia’s running mate would enhance the appeal and strength of their political ticket as it is the largest ethnic group in the country.
“Since Dr. Bawumia is from a minority tribe, it will make sense for his running mate to come from a majority tribe and Ashanti is your best bet,” Francis Asenso-Boakye said on Thursday, February 1, in an interview on Starr Chat.
Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, elected as the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in November, is facing calls to select his running mate from the Ashanti Region. This recommendation comes after President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who had been the NPP’s flagbearer since 2008, handed over the position to Dr. Bawumia.
Francis Asenso-Boakye acknowledged the calls for a running mate from the Ashanti Region. However, he mentioned that there are also arguments being made for a running mate from the Eastern Region as an alternative.
The emergence of names such as Energy Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Education Minister Dr. Adwutwum, and others as frontrunners for the position indicates that discussions about potential candidates for the running mate position are actively taking place within the party.
Ahead of the declaration of the New Patriotic Party’s Bantama Parliamentary results, incumbent MP, Francis Asenso-Boakye, was captured singing at the election grounds.
He sang a Twi gospel song whose lyrics emphasised that the Lord’s will will come to pass irrespective of the machinations of the enemy.
But before he could end, his contender, Ralph Agyapong interrupted, fusing new lyrics to the song. He noted that God has determined a one-term for Asenso Boakye.
This video has been found as humorous by social media users.
Bantama Polling Station: Drama unfolds as Hon. Asenso Boakye and Ralph Agyapong engage in a Singing Contest#UTVGhanapic.twitter.com/SxQpoar2I1
The NPP primaries unfolded today, revealing a significant electoral win for Asenso-Boakye, the incumbent Member of Parliament and Minister of Works and Housing in the Bantama constituency of the Ashanti Region.
In a decisive triumph, Francis Asenso-Boakye secured an overwhelming 78.22% of votes in the NPP primaries against Ralph Agyapong, the younger brother of, Member of Parliament for Assin Central Constituency, Kennedy Agyapong.
Asenso-Boakye received 650 votes, while Agyapong received 181 votes. The total number of valid votes cast was 831, with only 1 vote being rejected.
The Member of Parliament for the Bantama constituency in the Ashanti Region, Francis Asenso-Boakye, submitted his nomination form to the Constituency Parliamentary Elections Committee at the Bantama constituency office of the New Patriotic Party on December 23.
In his address to party leadership and delegates, he expressed gratitude for their dedicated support and highlighted achievements in education, infrastructure, welfare, and sports.
Asenso-Boakye emphasized his commitment to the overall well-being of Bantama residents, citing various projects such as school construction, road and bridge development, the Bantama NPP Welfare Fund, and the installation of AstroTurf pitches.
“I have delivered on education, I have delivered on security, delivered on infrastructure, delivered on health, and every sector has seen development since I took office as your MP”, said Asenso-Boakye.
Francis Asenso-Boakye highlighted the importance of community engagement during his submission of the nomination form. He emphasized initiatives such as the MP’s Community Clinic and regular durbars, aiming to foster unity and inclusivity within Bantama.
Asenso-Boakye interacted with community leaders and constituents to gain a firsthand perspective on their challenges and concerns.
Seeking re-election, he positioned the campaign as a collective effort for the continued development and well-being of Bantama, urging constituents to focus on the community’s progress rather than individual interests. Over five hundred party delegates were present at the submission.
The competition for the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) parliamentary candidate in the Bantama Constituency is shaping up to be an intense showdown between the current Member of Parliament, Francis Asenso-Boakye, and Ralph Kwame Agyapong.
During a recent event marking the inauguration of a library built by the incumbent MP in the constituency, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo commended his former deputy Chief of Staff. The president urged the electorate in Bantama to support Asenso-Boakye in the party’s upcoming primaries and the general election.
“It will hurt me so much if the people of Bantama throw him away. Give him the opportunity to represent you again and he will come and continue the good job he has been doing,” he urged.
In reaction to the president’s endorsement of his rival, Ralph Agyapong has disclosed that he too is garnering significant support from influential figures within the party.
This includes the backing of his brother, Kennedy Agyapong, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Assin Central and was a former hopeful for the NPP flagbearer position.
During an interview on Angel FM Kumasi, Ralph revealed that he enjoys support from various regional chairmen, including Kwame Baffoe, also known as Abronye, from the Bono Region and Kwabena Owusu Sekyere from the Ahafo Region.
“He supports me more than 1,001%. He repeated this two days ago. I was sitting with him in the room and he said, ‘Bantama, even if they like it, I will come and live there and do the work,” he stated.
According to Ralph, the president’s endorsement of Asenso-Boakye has opened the floodgates for his camp to go all out in the campaign.
“Has the president not come to do some of the work and gone? So it will be nice going forward; when he comes, Ken also comes, and then the two of us will also be facing off.
“Do you know those who want to come for me? Abronye is currently lurking at Asokwa. He says I should open up for him and I told the chairman to relax. Bantama will be exciting, so keep your eyes on Bantama. People are lacing their boots; Ahafo Chairman Sekyere has laced his boots and is stomping his feet,” he added.
Ralph Agyapong played a crucial role in supporting Kennedy Agyapong’s bid for the NPP flagbearer position, a campaign that ultimately ended with Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia emerging as the winner.
According to Ralph, he has received unwavering support from his brother to secure victory over Asenso-Boakye in the upcoming NPP primaries scheduled for early 2024.
Ralph contends that, under Asenso-Boakye’s leadership, the Bantama Constituency has experienced a lack of development, with allegations of oppression against party executives and delegates.
Member of Parliament for the Bantama Constituency and the Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has responded to what he considers to be “personal” attacks from Ken Agyapong, who is seeking the position of flagbearer.
Asenso-Boakye continues to assert that all of Agyapong’s allegations are baseless and lack any substantiating evidence.
Specifically, he vehemently denied the recent allegation that he cohabited with a friend in Adenta.
“I bought that property at Adenta my own self,” he clarified on Kumasi-based Kessben FM on Tuesday, September 19.
“It was a property I was living in myself, but the way he presented it made it seem as though I was sharing it with his friend, in a manner intended to embarrass me. This is simply untrue; it was my own property,” Asenso-Boakye added.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has accepted the resignation of Cecilia Abena Dapaah, the Sanitation and Water Resources Minister.
However, unlike previous conventions, he has not immediately named a replacement in an acting capacity. Instead, the Chief Director will temporarily lead the ministry until an official announcement is made.
Sources within the corridors of power, according to Ghanaweb suggest that the president is seeking a candidate who can seamlessly fit into the vacant position and avoid parliamentary vetting, which is possible by appointing a serving minister to the role.
Possible replacements for the position include:
Francis Asenso-Boakye, the current Minister of Works and Housing, who might take on the role, potentially leading to the merger of the two portfolios or acting as a temporary replacement.
Freda Prempeh, who previously served as a deputy minister when the ministry was under Works and Housing and is currently working at the Ministry of Works and Housing, is also highly tipped for consideration.
Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, the MP for Suame and Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, is seen as another potential replacement. He has previously acted in a ministerial role at the finance ministry. However, if he is moved, the NPP will have to make adjustments to its leadership in Parliament as he currently serves as the Majority Leader.
Other names circulating as potential acting ministers include Dan Botwe, Samuel Jinapor, and Henry Quartey, with the first two having recent experience in acting ministerial capacities. Only time will reveal the final decision made by President Akufo-Addo in appointing the new Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources.
Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, wants more funds to be allocated to addressing Ghana’s flooding problem.
He is lobbying for the allocation of a portion of the Roads Funds for the building of storm drains.
This, he said, will help lessen the impact of the country’s periodic floods in major cities.
In a statement to Parliament on Thursday, June 29, 2023, the Minister stated that the Ghana Hydrological Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1085), which was enacted with bipartisan support, provides for the establishment of a Hydrological Fund for that purpose.
As a result, he has asked Parliament to consider committing a portion of the Road Fund, given the impact of drains on road lifespan; the Sanitation Levy, given the impact of solid waste on drainage capacity; and the Common Fund, recognising the need for a comprehensive and efficient drainage system.
“The Ghana Hydrological Authority Act, 2022 (Act 1085), which was passed with support from both sides of the House makes provision for the establishment of a Hydrological Fund for that purpose” the Minister said.
He told the lawmakers that if the resources are released, we would be able to address the age-long challenge in a comprehensive manner in the face of continuous global climate change.
He declared unequivocally that the ministry has been hampered in its effort to combat the annual canker of floods due to a shortage of finances from the finance ministry.
Hon Asenso Boakye went on to say that drainages in the capital and other regions of the country had been neglected for years due to a lack of finances, resulting in frequent flooding whenever it rains.
He urged Ghanaians to refrain from engaging in activities that may clog our drainage systems.
He made this request in a statement to Parliament today about the recent flooding in parts of the country.
Although the government has committed approximately 450 million under the National Flood Control Programme (NFCP) in the last five years to mitigate perennial flooding, the Minister added that recent climate change-induced flooding incidences around the world are a warning that a dedicated source of funding is now imperative in ensuring that the country is resilient to the effects of climate change, now and in the future.
The Minister of Works and Housing, Francis Asenso-Boakye, has urged SuCasa Properties, a real estate developer, to expand its affordable luxury home projects outside of Accra to other parts of the country.
During a courtesy call by SuCasa Properties to secure government support and partnership in providing affordable luxury housing infrastructure, Mr. Asenso-Boakye stated, “I urge you to extend your project to the outskirt of Accra – to the other regions.”
Furthermore, the Minister noted that his Ministry is considering a partnership where the developer produces two-bedroom houses at the Nsawam enclave at a cap of US$30,000, with the State absorbing 40 percent of the development cost through the provision of the government’s unencumbered lands.
SuCasa Properties Limited, as a demonstration of its commitment to the national affordable housing agenda, recently inaugurated Phase-one or the No.1 O’Grantson Communities at East Legon Hills – a 2,000-housing unit development. The event also served as the sod-cutting ceremony for phases two and three of the project.
Michael O’Grantson-Agyapong, Chief Executive Officer of SuCasa Properties, left, with Honourable Francis Asenso-Boakye, Minister of Works and Housing
SuCasa’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael O’Grantson-Agyapong – who led the team from SuCasa Properties – confirmed that the company has plans to expand into other regions of the country and welcomed the Minister’s request. “SuCasa is already positioned for other regions in our own business forecast and projections,” he noted.
Attracting FDIs via SuCasa Real Estate Experience
In addition, Mr. O’Grantson-Agyapong presented a new campaign by his outfit called the SuCasa Real Estate Experience to the Minister. The campaign, he explained, involves a global tour to organise real estate conferences, exposing investment opportunities in Ghana for Foreign Direct Investment and Diaspora engagements.
He elaborated, that the investment opportunity awareness creation will be organized by SuCasa Properties Ghana in partnership with relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Trade and its affiliated agencies.
He added that the expo is part of the government’s Public Private Partnership Initiative engagements for economic growth and development, and aims to build confidence and trust in the diaspora community to invest prudently in Africa with reputable developers in a seamless manner.
“The global tour and expo, would offer the diaspora community, the opportunity to engage with and have first-hand information from property developers and the various offers they avail, without engaging with charlatans and all kinds of unscrupulous entities back home in Africa in their quest for home ownership,” he said, adding that the launch of the maiden edition of the SuCasa Real Estate Experience will come off in Accra by the end of March.
This comes as data from the World Bank shows that remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa grew by 5.2 percent to US$53 billion in 2022, highlighting the potential impact of diaspora investments in Africa’s economic development.
The courtesy call also served as an opportunity to formally express appreciation to the Minister for honoring their invitation to be the Keynote Speaker at the Sod Cutting Ceremony of the No.1 O’Grantson Communities.
According to data from the World Bank, remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa grew by an estimated 5.2percent to US$53 billion in 2022. Given that this is approximately 10percent of their annual income, their total annual income could be estimated to be US$530 billion, a figure higher than the highest single GDP of any country in Africa. This indicates that cash flow from the diaspora community invested in Africa could potentially help turn African economic fortunes around for the better.
It promises to be a turf war that would require great political dexterity and acumen to win as the race for who represents the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the December 7, 2020 parliamentary elections in the Bantama Constituency gathers steam, MyNewsGh.com reports.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Francis Asenso Boakye who is attempting the candidacy for the third time seems to be enjoying the open support of the delegates, but incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) and government Spokesperson on Finance, Daniel Okyem Aboagye would not succumb.
For Asenso Boakye, his appointment as a Deputy Chief of Staff by President Akufo Addo means he “has affirmed me as a person of tact, good judgment and discretion†and the position “with its heavy responsibilities, has enhanced my capacity and prepared me adequately to serve the people of Bantama, both as a legislator and as an agent of developmentâ€, he wrote after filing his nominations on Saturday.
He comes this time, as a generous figure in the eyes of the delegates, owing to his periodic donations to the party and lobbying of government projects, among which school blocks, road projects and lighting systems for the Bantama Sub Metro; a factor that has skyrocketed his popularity over the incumbent MP even among non-delegates.
It may be recalled that, MyNewsGh.com reported in May 2019 that, the Nasara Wing of the NPP in the Bantama Constituency had already declared its support for Asenso Boakye following “a brief ceremony to handover some assorted food items worth several thousands of Ghana Cedis to the Muslim community to assist in their Ramadanâ€.
The incumbent, Daniel Okyem Aboagye however would count on his campaign of advancing Bantama from the back benches of Parliament to the front row after ousting Henry Kwabena Kokofu who had also gone for only his first term as a legislator; his plea to the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako to consider him to stand opposed backfired.
