The Ashanti regional EC Chairman, Benjamin Bio-Banor has confirmed that the Electoral commission is ready to conduct the Kumawu by-election on Tuesday.

The by-election which is slated for Tuesday, May 23, 2023 will be conducted at 75 polling stations with about 34,790 expected voters. According to Mr. Bio-Banor, required trainings have been conducted for smooth voting process, essential logistics including ballot papers have also been provided ahead of time.

“We are fully geared for the by-elections on Tuesday. Preparations are underway to ensure a violent-free election.” He revealed to Omanhene Yaw Adu Boakye on Sompa FM’s Ade Akye Abia.

The Notice of Poll published by the Electoral Commission ahead of the election indicates that there are four candidates contesting for the MP position.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, Ernest Yaw Anim, is the number one on the ballot paper; the National Democratic Congress candidate, Kwasi Amankwa alias Tom-C, takes the second spot, while the third and fourth positions are for two independent candidates who bear the same name, Kwaku Duah.

Meanwhile Kwaku Duah, the second Independent Candidate has debunked claims that he was ushered into the fierce competition by Chairman Wontumi. In an interview today on Ade Akye Abia, the astute business man corrected that he is only a relentless individual who is qualified and meet all the EC’s requirements to contest the vacant seat.

“It is not about political affiliations. Let no one deceive you. Even the chiefs in Kumawu know and understand my capabilities.” He told Omanhene.

He also called out the Electoral Commission for dealing with him unfairly and changing his logo from a “bird” to a “hoe.”

“My logo was a sketch and it varies from the previous Kwaku Duah’s. it was not even a dove. The variation is clear. Mine is a falcon. But the new Hoe representation does not bother me much. The EC has just been unfair and biased.” He concluded.