Addo Amankwah confident of winning Manhyia South NPP primary

A financial security analyst, Kwabena Addo Amankwah, has announced his intention to contest the Manhyia South Constituency primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, incumbent Member of Parliament for the constituency, is one of the names that has been circulating in the media as a possible running-mate to the Vice President and NPP presidential candidate for the 2024 elections, Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia.

It is therefore unknown if he will still be contesting.

Per timelines issued by the party, nominations opened on December 20, 2023 and will close on January 4, 2024 in constituencies where the NPP has sitting MPs – followed by elections on February 24, 2024.

Plans

Sharing his plans for the constituency, Mr. Addo Amankwah – who served as a Personal Assistant at the Office of the Chief of Staff during the Kuffuor administration – said his plans for the constituency are based on four main policies.

The policies are education reforms, healthcare expansion, economic diversification and security improvement.

He noted that the current NPP government has done very well with the Free SHS policy, and it is therefore necessary for constituents to take full advantage of it in order to be competitive in the work environment.

“We will invest heavily in STEM education.

“We will provide resources like laptops and financial support to all tertiary students studying science, technology, engineering and mathematics within the constituency.

“I have started an organisation called STEM-TUTORS, which involves a group of university students who will be teaching children Coding and Robotics within Manhyia South.

“We need to build the next phase of leadership who can potentially adapt to the future of technology,” he stated.

Health care

On healthcare, the aspiring MP said every constituent deserves access to quality healthcare, which is why he will consistently organise health screenings and National Health Insurance Scheme registration within the constituency.

He said part of the MP’s common fund will be allocated to support clinics within the constituency to purchase advanced medical equipment through guaranteed loan programmes.

“This, when implemented effectively, will not just subsidise medical services but also improve the infrastructure of healthcare,” he stated.

Economic revitalisation

Sharing his economic plans, he said he believes in a free-market economy and also believes businesses should be given the resources and improved infrastructure to operate.

He said the constituency is fortunate to have the beautiful palace of the Asante king, which is a huge boost for tourism.

“We will invest in creating a technological hub-website, where businesses in the constituency can display their products and services to the world.

“We will engage in apprenticeship training programmes, as well as making available business loan programmes for small businesses in the constituency,” he said.

On security, Mr. Amankwah emphasised that the development of every economy depends on people being able to move freely and openly to operate businesses 24 hours a day, without being afraid of robbery or negative interference.

He said this will be critical for him as Member of Parliament when given the opportunity.