The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the Nhyiaeso Constituency, Mr Samuel Sarpong, has stated that he is confident of securing 70 per cent of the valid votes to be cast in the December polls because of his track record.
He explained that the massive development projects embarked on by President Mahama, coupled with his excellent work as the former Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Chief Executive and the Ashanti Regional Minister, had resonated with the electorate.
Mr Sarpong was speaking to the media after vising some community leaders and chiefs in his constituency to introduce himself to them, ask for their blessings and inform them about his intention to embark on a house-to-house campaign subsequently.
With a handful of entourage and without any political party colours, Mr Sarpong visited over 10 chiefs in the constituency. They included Dakodwom, Ahodwo, Amoamang, Adiebeba, Daaban, Patuda, Konkronmoase and Anyinam.
Most of the chiefs commended him for the development he brought to their areas as the KMA chief executive and also as a regional minister, who was not selective but very respectful. However, they urged him to help solve the problems relating to roads, provision of water and educational facilities even before the election.
Mr Sarpong explained that although the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had maintained the Nhyiaeso constituency as its stronghold, the reaction from members of both the NPP and the NDC about the work he had done prior to vying for the position would do the magic.
He stated that he had been overwhelmed by the support from members of the NPP who pledged to support him as well as the work of the NDC executive, which he said was enough evidence that he stood a better chance of cancelling the stronghold mantra of the NPP.
“I know it is a herculean task but nothing is insurmountable if you work assiduously towards it. We are dealing with discerning electorate who would vote not because of political affiliation but would give me the mandate to represent them in the House of the Representatives”, he added.
Mr Sarpong said there was ample evidence for his ‘’father for all’’ attitude when he served as the regional minister and the KMA boss and urged the electorate to give him the mandate so that he would as usual spread development to every part of the constituency.
He said the dividend of politics was not electing known persons because they belonged to the same political party but to ensure that a hard-working, experienced, socially and politically connected and respected persons were given the mandate to bring development.
He commended the chiefs and the elders for the warm reception and assured them of an inclusive administration.
In 2012, Dr Richard Anane contesting on the ticket of the NPP secured 45,389, representing 76.12 per cent votes to beat the NDC’s Nana Afua Anima , who had 12, 304 representing 20.66 per cent.
Chiefs
The Odikro of Patuda, Nana Kusi Oboadu, recounted how Mr Sarpong supported the community even before his appointment as the KMA boss and assured him that he was welcomed to the area anytime to campaign.
Nana Agyei Domfeh, the regent of Apraman, who described Mr Sarpong as a friend and benefactor of the community, wondered why the candidate would bother himself to come and ask permission before campaigning.
He said the people in the area were living witnesses to the hard work of Mr Sarpong that had culminated in some development projects and assured him of the support of the people.
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