A faction within the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Akim Swedru Constituency, Eastern Region, has issued a threat to vote against the party if the current Member of Parliament (MP), Kennedy Osei Nyarko, is retained as the parliamentary candidate for the 2024 elections.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the MP's nearly 12-year tenure, the supporters criticize his alleged lack of developmental projects and accuse him of insensitivity to the constituents' needs.

The discontented supporters highlight various issues, including a deteriorating road network, inadequate market infrastructure, and the absence of public amenities and sanitation facilities in Akim Swedru Township. T

hey argue that these challenges have persisted throughout the MP's tenure, prompting their call for a change in leadership.

In contrast, the dissatisfied faction is advocating for the election of the Controller and Accountant General, Mr. Kwasi Kwaning Bosompem, as the NPP parliamentary candidate for the constituency.

Supporters of Bosompem cite his contributions to education, health, and employment in the area. Specifically, they mention the construction of a 12-unit classroom block at Swedru SHS and road projects connecting Aporah Ningo to other communities.

"Our problem is that, we want jobs in the constituency. Secondly, the river Tsitsifo overflows its boundaries to the town, we have complained several times to the MP, he said it is not his job. Also the road from Oda to this place is in good condition, but from Adeambra and Edusei are in a deplorable state. If the Controller can do all these for us, we are waiting for him, we will vote for him."

"We want change, four years now we have not seen anything good done by the MP. The roads are half done, the market too the same, no water, no light at the markets. The most worrying situation there is that there are no toilet facilities at the markets."

"We don't want the MP again, he has been on the seat for the past 12 years yet he has done nothing for the constituency. The police station here is someone’s rented house, no market, no lorry station, all he does is to push money to the delegates to vote for him. He doesn't think about the people in the constituency. The plight of the people in the constituency doesn't matter to him “another constituent said.

Another resident said, “The former MPs did a lot for the constituency when it was very large, now that it has been divided and the whole of Eastern Region he has the smallest constituency, he still can't do anything. He is tired, he should go. We are pleading with the delegates to vote for Controller as PC for the constituency. They should vote wisely in the coming election or else we will also vote only presidential in the general election.”

The dissatisfied group accuses the incumbent MP of neglecting their concerns, emphasizing the need for change. They express a willingness to adopt a "skirt and blouse" voting strategy in the main polls if their preferred candidate is not selected.

Market women in Akim Swedru also join the chorus of dissatisfaction, claiming that the MP has ignored their needs, resulting in a deteriorating market environment.

They highlight issues such as water entering stores during rainfall and unfulfilled promises of cement deliveries.

The discontented residents voice their frustration, stating that the current MP has not adequately addressed the constituency's challenges, and they urge fellow delegates to vote for a change in the upcoming election.

"The market is in a very deplorable state. When it rains the water enters the stores, we have complained a lot to the MP but he has not done anything about it. He even promised us 100 bags of cement but he never brought them. He refuses to listen to our plight”, a trader lamented.