Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as Kwame A-Plus, an independent Member of Parliament representing the Gomoa Central constituency, has elucidated his decision to align with the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) caucus in Parliament. His rationale hinges on two primary factors: the perceived efficacy of the NDC in facilitating his constituency’s development and the perceived shortcomings of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), which he characterizes as arrogant and out of touch with the electorate. This alignment, he believes, will best position him to fulfill his campaign promises and secure the necessary resources for his constituents.
A-Plus asserts that the NDC has demonstrated a commitment to addressing the long-standing developmental needs of Gomoa Central. He believes that the party’s promises to allocate resources and prioritize the constituency’s development align with his own core objective of ensuring Gomoa Central receives its fair share of national resources. This commitment, he contends, sets the NDC apart from the NPP, which he views as complacent and lacking the drive to connect with the electorate.
Further criticizing the NPP, A-Plus argues that the party’s current leadership, including General Secretary Justin Koduah, lacks seriousness and understanding of the political landscape. He suggests that their arrogance and failure to acknowledge the reasons behind their declining electoral performance render them unsuitable partners. He emphasizes that the NPP’s current posture should be one of humility and outreach, seeking to regain the trust of the voters, rather than displaying complacency. This perceived lack of self-awareness within the NPP reinforces his decision to caucus with the NDC.
While A-Plus does not delve into specific policy commitments made by the NDC, he emphasizes the party’s recognition of his value and their inclusive approach. He highlights the respect and importance accorded to him by the NDC leadership, contrasting this with the perceived disregard from the NPP. This sense of belonging and the assurance that he will be included in developmental initiatives, despite his independent status, further solidify his decision to align with the NDC caucus. He feels appreciated and recognized as a valuable asset, which motivates him to reciprocate their commitment by caucusing with them.
The essence of A-Plus’s decision stems from a pragmatic assessment of which political alignment would best serve his constituents. He has chosen the path he believes offers the most effective means of achieving his developmental goals for Gomoa Central. The NDC’s commitment to his constituency’s progress, coupled with their inclusive approach towards him as an independent MP, outweighs any potential benefits he might have derived from aligning with the NPP, a party he views as currently adrift and disconnected from the needs of the people.
As a newly elected MP, A-Plus acknowledges that he is still in the observation phase of his parliamentary journey. He is currently absorbing the intricacies of the parliamentary process and evaluating the dynamics of the political landscape. This period of observation will likely inform his future actions and solidify his understanding of how to best navigate the parliamentary system to effectively represent his constituents and fulfill his campaign promises. His current alignment with the NDC, based on his assessment of their commitment to his constituency’s development, forms the foundation of his parliamentary strategy.
