Known locally as “Masara” by the people of Funsi, the district capital of Wa East, Mr. Fuseini Stephen Asangpe Awiniboya is a veteran farmer originally from Mirigu Central in the Upper East Region. Having lived and farmed in Funsi for decades, he recently took to Facebook to share his perspectives on the three NDC Parliamentary aspirants for the Wa East constituency.
In politics, leadership choices determine whether a constituency moves forward or remains the same.
As we look toward the future of the NDC in Wa East, it is important that we speak honestly about who is best positioned to lead the project going into 2028.
From experience, there are generally two types of MPs we see in parliament across Ghana.
The first group are those who rise mainly through strong grassroots support (usually from party strong holds). They work hard locally and win the primaries based on their base. However, many times they do not build strong relationships with the party leadership at the national level before going to Parliament. When that happens, it becomes difficult to lobby effectively for jobs, projects, and opportunities for the constituency.
The second group are those who build influence both at the grassroots and at the top levels of the party. They usually start their political career from the top. These individuals are known by national leaders and often have long-standing relationships across the party structure. They have strong party Godfathers at the top. Because of this, when they become MPs, they are able to open doors for their people and ensure their constituency gets its fair share of opportunities.
Their connections and network usually pave way for their constituents in great positions.
Now let us look at the three individuals being discussed for the Wa East NDC ticket.
First is Dr. Godfred, the sitting MP serving his second term. Many people are asking a simple question: after two terms, what clear development can we point to? In many constituencies, even first-time MPs are helping young people secure jobs in the security services and government institutions. Unfortunately, many people in Wa East say they have not seen enough of that impact.
Second is Prince Razak Tachi. I don’t know much about him but i understand he has been in the party for long and has served in various roles at the constituency and regional levels. That shows commitment to the party, and it is commendable. He is currently a government appointee. However, many of us do not clearly know how many people from Wa East have benefited from his position through employment opportunities or development support. For now, some believe the time may not yet be ripe for him.
Third is Lawyer Abu Juan, the man many people across the constituency are talking about today.
What makes Lawyer Abu Juan stand out is not just popularity, but visible action and influence.
Over the years, he has shown leadership in several important ways:
- Direct support in the health sector – Many people in the constituency know of instances where he has personally supported patients, facilitated medical assistance, and helped people access healthcare services when they needed it most. He has provided some equipment to health facilities in the area etc.
- Investment in education. He has supported students and educational initiatives, helping young people continue their education and giving hope to families who otherwise might not have been able to afford it. He has provided desks to basic school across the constituency and at a point the Funsi Senior high school was just depending on him for a lot of things.
- Support for youth and sports development. The South Sissala league that is organised yearly has brought to gathered so many communities both in the Wa East District and Sissala East Municipality. In a constituency where many young people struggle with opportunities, he has contributed to sports and youth activities that keep young people engaged and motivated. These games over the years have brought unity in the area.
- Strong grassroots connection. Unlike many leaders who appear only during elections, he has built trust with ordinary party members and community members across the constituency.
- Strong national networks – One of his biggest strengths is his relationship with influential figures within the party. These are the same people who today are in positions that can create jobs and opportunities for his people.
- Ability to lobby and attract opportunities. Development today depends on who can speak, negotiate, and push for their constituency at the national level. Many believe he has that ability.
- A unifier within the party – Another strong point about him is that he appears to have support across different groups within the party. This is important because internal unity is what wins elections.
- Proven commitment to the party’s success in Wa East – Many people know the role he played in strengthening the party in the constituency in previous elections. Some even say the current MP’s victory was partly made possible by the work and support he provided. Drilling of boreholes across the constituency and providing support for the party grassroots to operate effectively.
For many observers, these qualities are what Wa East needs at this moment.
Personally, I do not sympathise with the NDC. But when it comes to leadership that can bring development to our people, we must be honest and support what is right for the constituency.
If leadership like this is given the opportunity, some of us are ready to contribute the little we have to support the vision of a better Wa East come 2028.
Because in the end, the real issue is not politics, the real issue is development for Wa East.
