Data released by Independent Media Caucus for Development (IMCD) has revealed that, Mr. Chris Arthur who is bracing to contest the Agona West Parliamentary primaries, has a clear chance of winning the primaries.
Should that happen, it would mean that the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Cynthia Morrison would lose her bid to return to Parliament.
According to the data released by IMCD, which is an association of media persons formed to champion the cause of development in central region, out of 800 people selected and interviewed in Agona West, 251 have the perception that Hon. Cynthia Morrison has helped in terms of human development.
“471 respondents out of the 800 have perception that Mr. Chris Arthur has helped in terms of human development. Mr. Benjamin Yamoah got 43 people whiles Mr. Kojo Addo got 30 people in terms of human development within the Agona West constituency.”
The data also indicated that out of another 800 people interviewed, 221 believed that Hon. Cynthia Morrison is accepted by the general public whilst 487 believes that Mr. Chris Arthur has general public acceptance.
“31 and 54 people for Mr. Yamoah and Kojo Addo respectively in terms of public acceptance. 7 people however are undecided. Again, out of 450 NPP delegates contacted through various means including face-to-face conversation, telephone calls conversations, WhatsApp platforms, meetings and other covert intelligence gathering, 72 openly believe that Hon. Cynthia Morrison is a good candidate to lead in 2024 parliamentary elections. 271 however believes that Mr. Chris Arthur is their choice. 9 delegates prefer Mr. Benjamin Yamoah whiles 16 delegates like Mr. Kojo Addo to lead. 82 delegates who were interviewed did not disclosed their preferred parliamentary candidate but were quick to say that they need change.”
According to the Report, the association used various methods to assess quality leadership in terms of development, community peace, security and sanitation through covert and overt surveys, opinion polls, interviews, intelligence gathering, among others.
It said: “IMCD have been monitoring the various political activities within some constituencies within central region including Agona West. This survey was done to assess the positive impact of various programs/projects been done by the prospective parliamentary aspirants for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Agona West. We’ve observed that most of these programs and activities done by such groups and individuals are aiming at attracting public attention for political gains.”
The Association also observed that there are about four (4) different camps or groups, namely Team Cynthia Mamle Morrison (CMM), Team Chris Arthur of ChrisCares Foundation (CCF), Team Benjamin Yamoah (BY) and Team Kojo Addo) within NPP in Agona West and based on their work, effectiveness and public interest, the survey revealed that the contest is between two (2) contenders in the upcoming parliamentary primaries in February 2024, Team Cynthia Mamle Morrison vs. Team Chris Arthur.
It said, the other two camps are not putting up any significant input in the race.
“The survey is based on the three main perceptions of impactful campaigning. Human Development, Public Acceptance and Party Acceptance.”