Dr. Afriyie Akoto is expected to make a strategic impact in Ashanti, the NPP’s stronghold. His involvement is anticipated to add momentum to the campaign, reinforcing the NPP’s aim to “break the 8” and secure a third consecutive term in office.

The tour, scheduled to begin on Monday, November 4, 2024, will span two weeks, with Dr. Bawumia’s campaign spotlighting a progressive vision for Ghana.

This includes advancing the digital economy, fostering economic growth through a robust credit system and job creation, establishing a pro-business tax environment, prioritizing environmental sustainability, and strengthening the “gold-for-oil” policy to stabilize the cedi.

As the “farmers’ friend,” Dr. Afriyie Akoto will highlight the Akufo-Addo government’s support for Ghana’s 3.6 million farmers, focusing on policies that have bolstered the agricultural sector over the past eight years. His message will appeal to the farming community, encouraging them to back the NPP for continued progress.

Dr. Afriyie Akoto’s presence alongside Dr. Bawumia reflects a unified front in the NPP; despite having contested in the party’s presidential primaries, all nine candidates, including Dr. Akoto, are now committed to supporting the flagbearer. This collective support reinforces the NPP’s campaign strategy and strengthens their bid for victory in 2024.

The Ashanti tour marks a pivotal stage in the NPP’s campaign, rallying members and supporters in one of Ghana’s most influential regions ahead of the general elections.

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This comes after his visit to Assin Central MP, Kennedy Agyapong his closest contender in presidential primary.

He subsequently visited former Mampong Member of Parliament (MP), Francis Addai-Nimoh, an aspirant in the party’s presidential race.

The meeting was aimed at renewing the bonds of friendship between the influential figures as well as foster collaboration to break the eight.

The Vice President was escorted by Fred Oware, National Lottery Authority (NLA) boss, Sammi Awuku and other leading party members.

Dr Bawumia is expected to meet with opinion leaders in the NPP as he tries to mend fences and build bridges ahead of the 2024 elections.

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While official results are yet to be declared by the Electoral Commission (EC), Dr. Bawumia is in a comfortable lead.

The atmosphere in his campaign office is charged as party executives and his campaign team, led by his wife, Mrs Samira Bawumia chant his praises.

Dr. Bawumia is leading by 58 percent based on provisional results from 85 out of the 275 voting centers.

Watch Bawumia’s jubilation:

After casting his vote at the NPP headquarters in Accra, Dr. Akoto stated unequivocally that, victory is within his grasp.

He cited reports from his agents, which indicate that the election is favoring his candidacy.

Dr. Akoto said his campaign team has been very effective and that he is eagerly awaiting the reports from all polling centers across the country before making a conclusive statement.

He added that, the election so far, has been smooth and stands a higher chance of emerging victorious.

However, what he was not sure of the number of votes which will guarantee his victory.

Addressing claims that the undertaking he signed has restricted his political freedom, Dr. Akoto clarified tha,t it was meant to uphold the ideals of unity within the NPP, as envisioned by the party’s forefathers.

In light of this, he expressed his readiness to support the flagbearer-elect if he does not win.

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This, he noted, will also enable him to have the mandate to pursue sustainable policies that are aimed at renewing the hope and confidence of the NPP  fraternity where each and everyone will see him or herself as a proud member of the party and also enjoy every benefit that comes with it.

“I know what has been going on within you – the frustrations and bitterness within you. Some are even worse. I will introduce life-changing policies where each and every member of the party will benefit, he noted.

He told the delegates that they deserve a leader who understands the plight of the people and also has the right remedies to address all their concerns.

“So far, I am the only candidate who has demonstrated that attitude and proffered the time-honoured solutions, so give me the chance to prove that to you. I am sad about the current situation of the party, “he said.

Dr. Akoto made this appeal when he interacted with over 600 designated NPP delegates belonging to Team Akoto, who are leading his campaign to woo the 40,000 Polling Station Executives in the Greater Accra Region.

The meeting took place at his campaign office in Accra on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.

Speaking further, the Cambridge University-trained Economist said on top of his reform agenda is to establish businesses owned by the NPP where the proceeds would be used to finance the party activists at the grassroots level.

According to the former two-term Member of Parliament for Kwadaso constituency, these party-owned companies would be managed by a holding company that will ensure that party members are gainfully employed by the businesses. He cited key m examples in Taiwan where Kuomintang (KMT) or the Nationalist Party of Taiwan amassed a vast business empire of banks, investment companies, petrochemical firms, and television and radio stations to assist in managing the party.

He noted that this approach and solutions have proven to be effective and reliable over a significant period of time.

These solutions have been used and trusted for generations and are considered to be enduring and respected for their track record.

He also cited the ANC party in South Africa that has Chancellor House Holdings, a private company managing its business empire, including mining and other assets and generating wealth through prudent and viable investment opportunities for their shareholders.

Chancellor House Holding does not invest in companies that tender for any work or conduct procurement directly or indirectly with any RSA’s National, Provincial and Local Government spheres, Government Agencies and State-Owned Entities.

Dr. Akoto, who is Ghana’s longest-serving Minister of Food and Agriculture in the 4th Republic told the delegates that their welfare remains paramount and assured them of his unflinching support when he gets their mandate to become the presidential candidate of the NPP and subsequently as President of Ghana.

He said it is only when the morale of the party’s grassroots is high that they would work assiduously to ensure the party stays in power for a very long time, insisting that he is the only candidate who has them at heart and by working together, they will make history by breaking the eight-year governance cycle in the 2024 general elections.

Erick Owusu, a coordinator from the Korle Klottey constituency in contributing to the discourse, thanked Dr. Akoto for identifying the problems confronting the grassroots party executives and finding an antidote to them with his sustainable policy of establishing party-owned businesses to generate income for the party.

“This is what we have been yearning for over the years. It is my prayer that all of us here throw their wait behind you to clinch the flagbearer position and bring the changes we are looking for, “he noted.

Philip Allotey, a coordinator from Bortianor Ngleshi Amanfrom constituency on his part, lauded Dr. Akoto for conducting a clean campaign devoid of insults and personality attacks.

He assured Dr. Akoto of vote after having been convinced by his vision for the party and the country and urged his colleagues as Electoral Area Coordinators to do the same.

The NPP goes to the polls on November 4, 2023, to select a presidential candidate who will lead the party to the 2024 general elections.

Dr. Akoto is number 3 on the ballot paper. He placed 4th in the Super Delegates Conference held on August 26, 2023.

Over 210,000 delegates are expected to vote in the National Delegates Conference on November 4, 2024.

Despite not giving much details about how it happened or the identity of the lady, the former Agriculture Minister noted it was a very hard moment in his life.

However, just as time heals all wounds, he managed to get over it.

Dr Afriyie disclosed this in an interview on Accra-based Starr FM, adding that it is normal for a man to suffer heartbreak.

In his view, it is part of every individual’s maturity process.

“Everybody goes through that; don’t tell me you didn’t. Well, for me, it was very hard, but young men shouldn’t worry when they go through this phase; it’s part of life. If you don’t go through those kinds of experiences, then it means you’re still not mature,” he said.

When asked about the lady’s whereabouts and whether they were in touch, he retorted, “This happened many years ago, so I have moved on.”

Dr Akoto is one of the four aspirants seeking to lead the NPP in the 2023 election.

He faces fierce competition from Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Assin Central MP Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, and former Mampong MP Francis Addai Nimoh, in the party’s presidential primary set for November 4, 2023.

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This follows the death of the former First Lady of the Republic, Theresa Kufuor.

The politician was accompanied by his wife, Genevieve Akoto, and the leadership of his National campaign team including Ken-Wuud Nuworsu, Co-Campaign Chairman and former Volta Regional Chair of NPP, Alfred Boye, Co-Campaign Chairman, Peter Oteng Darko, National Coordinator for the campaign, and Dr. Prince Amuzu Sokode, spokesperson for the campaign.

In a very solemn mood, the team led by Dr. Akoto formed a queue and as custom demands, greeted the Kufuor family before being welcomed.

He later signed the book of condolence describing the death of the former First Lady as “a huge loss for the country” which will be felt by many, particularly, women and children whose causes she championed though various initiatives.

Dr. Akoto earlier announced the suspension of his campaign tour to the Ashanti region following the demise of Mrs. Kufuor.

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According to him, the party could jeopardize its chances of retaining power in the 2024 general elections if internal issues are not addressed.

Speaking to journalists at his Kumasi residence on Monday, October 2, 2023, Dr. Akoto underscored the need for party unity and addressing the challenges faced by its base, particularly in relation to poverty alleviation and grassroots engagement.

He pointed out that, after the NPP’s victory in the 2016 general elections, there were high hopes among party members for an improved quality of life, which he believes has not been realized. Dr. Akoto emphasized that addressing the concerns of the party’s base is crucial to winning back their confidence and ensuring a strong showing in the upcoming elections.

Dr. Akoto, who has offered himself as a presidential candidate, stressed the need for smart thinking and strategies to unite the party and prioritize the concerns of its activists and members.

He also appealed to the party’s delegates to consider his track record and leadership qualities when deciding on the party’s presidential candidate, emphasizing his dedication to supporting farmers and transforming the agricultural sector.

Dr. Akoto’s concerns reflect broader discussions within the NPP about the party’s internal dynamics and its readiness for the 2024 elections.

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According to the President, the Pf&J project was so well executed that Ghana’s food security was greatly enhanced while thousands of jobs were created for the teeming unemployed youth.

Besides, the livelihood of smallholder farmers significantly improved under the program, eradicating hunger and reducing poverty levels in the country.

President Akufo-Addo made this observation through the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta when he presented the Mid-Year Fiscal Policy (mid-year budget review) on the floor of Parliament on Monday, July 31, 2023.

The Mid-Year Fiscal Policy was presented in accordance with Article 179 of the 1992 Constitution and the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921).

According to the President, these achievements brought substantial improvements in Ghana’s agricultural sector.

“The Planting for Food and Jobs has resulted in increased food security, employment along agricultural value chains, and accessibility of raw materials for developing industries. The program has directly contributed to increased crop yields for major food staples such as maize, rice, and soya by 135 percent, 67 percent and 18 percent respectively within the period,” Ken Ofori-Atta noted on behalf of President Akufo-Addo.

He added “After a comprehensive review, the Government is finalizing Pf&J Phase II to ensure a more efficient and targeted support for the agricultural sector. The key elements of Phase II are Inputs Credit System, Storage and Distribution Infrastructure, Commodity Trading and Digitized Platform.”

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According to the them, the reports are untrue and should be disregarded by the party faithful.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, August 8, they urged the persons behind the circulation of the reports to desist from it.

“There is a news item both in prime and electronic media on 07/08/23 purported to have come from Dr Afryie Akoto, a former Minister of Agriculture and an NPP Presidential Candidate hopeful to the effect that the NPP founding members of Ashanti Region have pledged their support to him.

“We the founding members of NPP of Ashanti Region wish to educate the public and the aspirant that we constitute the ‘custodian fathers’ of the party in the region and do not or cannot openly declare our support for one particular candidate,” the statement said.  

“We, therefore, find the news item unfortunate and we refute it as it is untrue, and call on Dr Akoto to retract it with the urgency it deserves.”

Dr Akoto is one of 10 aspirants seeking to be elected flagbearer of the NPP for Election 2024.

Speaking to the press after filing his forms at the party headquarters on June 19, Dr Akoto said that he chose to submit his forms only with core members of his campaign team, rather than busing in supporters.

Dr. Akoto expressed appreciation for the support of his delegates and constituency chairmen, who voluntarily came to the party headquarters to support him.

He called on his supporters to stay true to the cause of getting him elected as flagbearer of the NPP.

“Let me say here that everybody who has come here including representatives of farmers, are here on their own accord, You cannot see any bused crowd or any big commercial vehicle bringing people to come and support.

“People have come on their own volition and own conviction that my candidature will be good for the people of Ghana and the NPP and I am very grateful.”

The filing of nomination forms for the NPP flagbearership election is ongoing. The deadline for filing is June 24.

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According to him, the measures the current government has been putting in place in the Agric sector are marvelous and second to none. He said this in an interview on Thursday on Adom FM.

Under the five modules of the Planting for Food and Jobs initiative, he said farmers and traders nationwide have benefited largely since produce have been made affordable.

First module is the production of food, protecting of food and production of affordable food for all in the country.

“We are protecting and producing affordable food for all, whether you are poor or rich one can afford to buy food in the country,’’ he said.

According to him, the Ministry intends to grow six fruits with the same capacity and attention given to cocoa, in a bid to supplement the revenue the government generates from farming.

“Every year Cocoa brings 2.5 billion dollars for development in the country. Palm nut, rubber, cashew nut, shea, and coffee are the six fruits they would extensively grow and develop in order to help bring more money as cocoa for development in the country,” he said.

He also revealed that under the ‘Growing of Vegetables’ module, three villages; Dawenya, Akumadaa, and Bordwease thave currently been equipped with green-house technology to grow vegetables in the country.

The intent of the government’s intervention, he stated, is to make the country self-sufficient or cut down on the import rate.

On how to reach that aim, he said some Agric students are receiving training abroad to equip them with relevant skills to accomplish the national agenda.

“Now over 600 students are receiving training in Israel and would work in various institutions in the Villages with the experience in order to help develop the country,’’ he revealed.

In all, Dr Akoto believes contributions from each module will reduce suffering on farmers and benefit the ordinary Ghanaian at large.