The Member Parliament (MP) for the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Asokwa constituency, Madam Patricia Appiaggyei has indicated her readiness to contest any male aspirant who challenges her ahead of the party’s May, 13 primaries.
She said retaining the Asokwa seat for the second time will not be difficult even without the affirmative action policy.
According to her though the policy by the party’s leadership to promote women through affirmative action was commendable, it lacked proper timing hence was unable to survive.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NPP reviewed its affirmative action policy after both members and non-members of the party kicked against the directive disallowing male aspirants from contesting sitting female MPs in the 16 constituencies.
Madam Appiaggyei who spoke to newsmen after she picked her nomination forms at the Ahinsan constituency party office said she is not bothered by the withdrawal of the affirmative action policy and was ever ready to contest any male aspirant in the forthcoming primaries for the Asokwa constituency.
“Personally, the policy was not something I thought was going to promote my input. I had a contest and I won and I believe that I have worked effectively despite the constraints,so the affirmative action was not something to my advantage. But I am ready for any male contestant because I know I have delivered,” she stressed.
The former Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (KMA) is however convinced of retaining the Asokwa seat because her constituents will give her another chance.
Madam Appiaggyei who is popularly called NPP Rosalinda is expected to face a stiffer contest from former Asokwa MP Maxwell Kofi Jumah who is yet to pick his nomination forms.
