The Asante Concerned Youth Association has declared its support for two presidential aspirants of Asante origin ahead of the New Patriotic Party’s (MPP) presidential primaries scheduled for January 31, 2026.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, the President of the Association, Nyamekye Ebenezer, said the group’s decision was based on the developmental gains the Ashanti Region experienced under former President John Agyekum Kufuor, urging party delegates to rally behind candidates from the region.
According to him, the Ashanti Region witnessed significant infrastructure development during President Kufuor’s tenure, citing projects such as the Asokwa Interchange, Sofoline Interchange, and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital Emergency Centre, popularly known as the “Kufuor Emergency Centre.”
“We believe that if the party elects a candidate from this region, he will serve the nation well and bring more development to Ashanti and Ghana as a whole,” he said.
Mr. Nyamekye noted that two Asante natives are currently contesting in the NPP presidential race and said delegates should assess their track records and contributions to national development.
He mentioned Engineer Kwabena Adjei Agyapong, who served as a Press Secretary during the Kufuor administration, and Dr. Yaw Osafo-Maafo (or relevant correct name if intended), who previously served in government, as examples of candidates who have had the opportunity to serve both the region and the country.
“The delegates should decide among these two who served Ashanti Region and Ghana best. The one they believe performed well deserves their support,” he stated.
Responding to questions on whether the group’s stance amounts to tribalism, Mr. Nyamekye rejected the claim, explaining that the Association’s position is rooted in regional advocacy rather than ethnic exclusion.
“This is not about tribalism. This is about supporting your own. We support all political parties in this country, but when our people are contesting, we will openly support them,” he said.
He added that the Association has consistently taken similar positions in the past and will continue to support Asante candidates in future political contests.
The Asante Concerned Youth Association also expressed confidence that an Asante-led ticket could boost the MPP’s electoral fortunes, pointing to the overwhelming support the party enjoyed in the region during President Kufuor’s era.
“We believe the delegates will listen to our call,” Mr. Nyamekye said.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
