Private legal practitioner Kwabena Boateng emerged victorious in the New Patriotic Party (NPP) primaries held in the Ejisu constituency of the Ashanti Region on April 13.

Mr Boateng defeated eight other candidates, including former Ghana Football Association (GFA) boss Kwesi Nyantakyi, to become the NPP's parliamentary candidate for the upcoming by-election.

The other candidates in the primaries were Dr. Evans Duah, Klinsman Karikari Mensah, Helena Mensah, Jacqueline Abena Pokua Amoah-Boaitey, Portia Baffoe Abronye, Aaron Prince Duah, and Yaa Gyamera Aboagye.

Mr Boateng secured 394 votes out of a total of 1033 valid votes cast, with his closest competitor, Madam Helena Mensah, receiving 302 votes. Yaa Gyamera Aboagye garnered 229 votes, while Kwesi Nyantakyi managed only 35 votes.

Initially, it was thought that the remaining votes would be split between Dr. Evans Duah and Kwabena Boateng, potentially reducing Boateng's chances of winning.

However, Dr. Evans Duah received only 63 votes, allowing Boateng to secure victory over him and the other contenders.

In his address to the media, Boateng thanked the delegates for their trust and support, promising to be a dedicated representative for the people of Ejisu if elected as MP.

He dedicated his victory to the late MP, Dr. John Kumah, and pledged to continue his legacy.

The by-election in Ejisu was necessitated by the passing of Dr. John Kumah, who was also a Deputy Finance Minister, on Thursday, March 7, at the age of 45. The Electoral Commission has scheduled the by-election for Tuesday, April 30.