“Insults don’t translate into votes” -Charles Bissue aims high for Essikado-Ketan seat with a call for unity

Charles Cromwell Nananbyin Onuawonto Bissue, the former Western Regional Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has officially thrown his hat into the ring for the Essikado-Ketan parliamentary seat.

Accompanied by a diverse group, including some polling station executives, market queens, and delegates, Mr Bissue submitted his nomination forms on Saturday, December 23, 2023, at the constituency’s party office in Essikado.

Faced with the bigger challenge of succeeding the long-standing Member of Parliament, Joe Ghartey, who held the seat for over two decades, Charles Bissue remains poised and confident about his candidacy.

Speaking with Beach FM, he acknowledged the tightening political landscape, making reference to the previous general elections where the NDC came close. Charles Bissue stressed on the need for a more experienced candidate with the track records like his to take the baton and lead Essikado-Ketan in parliament.

“I’m not the big man, everyone has his/her own politics; the NDC closed the gap in the last elections and they feel they can win the seat this time. The Essikado-Ketan seat can’t be joked with -so we need someone with experience.”

Emphasizing the importance of continuity and experience, Bissue declared, “I’m not saying that I’m the better person -I’m not downgrading anyone…but look at what I have done in the region. I worked with the team to maintain majority for the NPP in the region. So it means with experience, I can fit the boots of Joe Ghartey; because we can’t start all over again, we need someone with the track records. We need to continue where Joe Ghartey left off, solidify the base of Essikado-Ketan in parliament, and that’s what I’m seeking to do with the help of everyone in here”, he added.

In a bid to distinguish his approach, Mr Bissue urged his supporters to steer clear of negative politics. “Insults don’t translate into votes”, he asserted, highlighting his extensive political background.

“I was the regional secretary for 8 years, national council memeber for 8 years, northampton chair, presidential staffer, and so i know the ins and outs of the party. I have always advocated that competition brings the best out of people and so insulting people and using their failure so that you excel, wouldn’t help the party.”

Underscoring his dedication to unity, Charles Onuawonto Bissue extended his call for decorum beyond party lines. “Even outside the party, I wouldn’t advise that we insult NDC, CPP, or other parties. We will need their support to build Essikado-Ketan if we win the seat. I have seriously advised my followers to be disciplined and refrain from insulting my opponents in this Parliamentary primaries contest because we are all members of the same team.”

As the journey to the January 27th parliamentary primaries unfolds, Charles Cromwell Bissue emerges not only as a contender for Essikado-Ketan, but as an advocate for a politics of respect and collaboration.