Who replaces slain Mfantseman MP?

The ruling New Patriotic Party has said wife of slain Mfantseman Parliamentary candidate, Ophelia Hayford, will step in to contest the seat her husband, Ekow Quansah Hayford left.

A letter sent by the party to the Electoral Commission Monday, according to sources sought the portions of CI 127 to ve invoked to give a 10-day extra period for Mrs Hayford to file for the Mfantseman seat.

The provision states, “Where at the close of the nomination, but before the election one of the candidate dies, a further period of 10 days shall be allowed for nominations.”

On October 9, 2020, Mr Hayford was shot twice by highway robbers on the Dominase -Abeadze Duadzi – Mankessim highway on a return from a campaign trip.

A report by Adom News’ Seth Kofi Adjei, monitored by Ghanas Online reveals the constituents have thrown their support to the widow, chanting “No Wife, No Vote”, to express their solidarity when President Akufo-Addo visited the bereaved family.

Mrs Ophelia Hayford has had to resign from the Ghana Police Service as an Assistant Superintendent of Police to contest the seat.

The constituents believe she has the potential to take up the work begun by her late husband.

General Secretary of the NPP, John Boadu and the NPP were also cautioned by the residents through their chants not to bring any representative aside Mrs Ophelia Hayford else they will advise themselves on the voting day.

Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo has charged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure the murderers of the late legislator are arrested and dealt with according to the law.

He said government will support the widow and children and help for the preparations for the funeral.