Sekondi Constituency: Following election of Fisherman NDC Parliamentary Candidate – Wake Mercer up from sleep

• Posted on August 26, 2019August 26, 2019
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Sekondi Constituency attracted the attention of many, including the media following the election of Charles Hagan, aka Panya, a Chief Fisherman (on Saturday 24^th August, 2019) as the NDC Parliamentary Candidate for election 2020.

The election of Panya has sparked debate on social and traditional media as there is endless discussion about the educational background of the NDC’s Candidate versus the NPP’s Lawyer Mercer should he be retained as the Candidate for the NPP (which is 98% likely).

In the constitution of Ghana, lack of formal education is not amongst the list of what could disqualify one from contesting for a Parliamentary seat so Panya who is above twenty one (21) years and a registered voter qualifies. He is also entitled to an Interpreter in Parliament if the official language of Ghana, English is a worry. 

The debate about the educational background of Panya came in strongly because of the credentials of past MPs of the area. The Sekondi Constituency has had one Lawyer Sam, Paapa Owusu Ankomah and currently Lawyer Andrew Egyapa Mercer representing them in Parliament. The elitist background of these representatives has presented Sekondi as a constituency that presents fine materials who are able to intelligently contribute to national discussions.

Many even argue that Lawyer Mercer was compelled to regularly be on radio and TV to prove that he is an equally great material after Paapa Owusu Ankomah. With this perception about the Sekondi area, the argument about education is one that would definitely spring up when a Candidate is considered for a political party.

There is an interesting reasons given by NDC Delegates for voting for the Chief Fisherman. One of the reasons for voting for Panya according to the delegates is that, he understands the struggles of the grass root. The unlettered NDC Candidate who is a multimillionaire has created jobs for many via his lucrative fishing business.

It was shocking for many when the results were announced considering the difference in votes. Mr. Hagan, secured 244 (out of 585 votes), beating a former Deputy Regional Minister Betty Bosomtwi Sam (175 votes) and former Mayor of Sekond-Takradi Charlotte Otuwa Odoom (163 votes).

In an on air polls by Connect FM in Takoradi ahead of the election, Betty Bosomtwi Sam won. The name Panya was far from the list of winners of many especially as he was not even heard in the media.

Panya is known in Sekondi as original home boy is an authority in the other half of the Twin City. Even though it would be difficult for him to construct a sentence in English, his ability to provide jobs for many in Sekondi is the trump card that his supporters have started mentioning on social media. “Those who have the masters and law certificates how many jobs have they created for the youth?” a commentator asked in a Facebook post.

“Andrew Mercer is 50% done and is a done deal for him” another post on Facebook also said. This thought of a done deal for Mercer in 2020 is a slippery one for those who are sympathetic towards the Legislator. He (Mercer) might have had his way with Assafuah, the NDC contender in the last elections but Panya’s sympathizers will give Mercer a good run for his money. The Hairdresser turned MP, Mercy Adu Gyamfi, popularly known as Ama Sey MP for Akwatia in the Eastern Region readily comes to mind here.

For a Constituency like Sekondi which has a sizeable number of fisher folks, Panya has ready voter  who wouldn’t need a lot of persuasion to thumbprint for him. For an almost dead City like Sekondi,  ideas of how to revive it would be an advantage for the one with clear plans. 

Someone close to the alum of Adisadel College, Andrew Egyapa Mercer should wake him up from sleep if he also has that perception that 2020 is a done deal for him. His works as a first time MP would be his trump card for the next elections. Since he is the incumbent MP, his works like the Bible says ‘shall be passed through fire’ and the results would be the reason why voters would accept or reject him.

2020 elections would be a reality check at Sekondi Constituency. 

Author: Nana Kwesi Coomson (www.233times.net) @nkcoomson on Twitter