Member of Parliament for Builsa South, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, has called on aspirants, delegates, party officials, supporters and other stakeholders to conduct the forthcoming National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency elections in a peaceful and respectful manner.
Dr Apaak made the appeal in a statement following the successful completion of the filing and vetting process for candidates seeking various positions in the Builsa South constituency elections.
The MP congratulated all aspirants who successfully completed the process and wished them a peaceful and productive campaign as the constituency moves into the next phase of the internal elections.
Apaak urges aspirants to prioritise unity
According to Dr Apaak, the completion of filing and vetting represents an important stage in the party’s internal democratic process, but it should also serve as a reminder to members that political competition within the constituency should not undermine the broader unity of the party.
He acknowledged that the period preceding the filing and vetting exercise had, in some instances, witnessed strong exchanges, accusations and counter-accusations among party members.
While recognising disagreements as part of competitive politics, Dr Apaak cautioned that statements and actions taken during an election can have consequences beyond the immediate contest and may create divisions that persist after voting has ended.
He therefore appealed to all aspirants and their supporters to exercise restraint and maintain respect throughout the campaign.
Campaign should focus on ideas and records
Dr Apaak encouraged candidates to make their campaigns about ideas, programmes, records and their respective visions for serving the people of Builsa South rather than personal attacks.
He said there was no need for insults or allegations that could not be substantiated, stressing that party members could compete vigorously while maintaining mutual respect.
The MP also emphasised that disagreement over political issues should not result in treating fellow party members as enemies.
His appeal comes as the constituency prepares for what will be a competitive internal electoral process, with candidates seeking the support of delegates for the various constituency positions.
Delegates urged to make their choice freely
Dr Apaak further stressed the role of delegates in the internal elections, saying they have the responsibility to listen to the various candidates, consider their positions and make their choice.
He called for whatever decision the delegates make to be respected by all sides.
The MP said he would continue to engage aspirants and their supporters fairly and with equal respect, adding that he would not allow himself to be drawn into exchanges involving accusations or personal attacks.
He identified the unity of the constituency, the strength of the NDC’s organisation and the ability to continue serving the people as his primary concerns.
Apaak warns against divisions after elections
A major theme of Dr Apaak’s statement was the need for party members to look beyond the immediate constituency elections.
He noted that regardless of the outcome, the candidates and their supporters would remain colleagues, neighbours, friends and members of the same political family.
He consequently urged aspirants to consider the long-term relationships that would remain important after the election.
According to him, those who receive the mandate of delegates would have a responsibility to reach out to other contestants and bring them along, while candidates whose aspirations do not succeed should also remain engaged and continue contributing to the development of the constituency and the party.
“An internal election should not create divisions that become difficult to repair,” Dr Apaak stated in his appeal.
Call for maturity and tolerance
The Builsa South MP concluded by encouraging all aspirants and their supporters to approach the campaign with maturity, respect and tolerance.
He called on stakeholders to give delegates the opportunity to make their decisions freely and peacefully and urged all contestants to commit themselves to respecting the eventual outcome.
Dr Apaak congratulated the aspirants once again and expressed hope that the process would be peaceful and that the constituency would emerge stronger and more united.
The appeal for unity comes against the broader backdrop of Dr Apaak’s recent emphasis on development and collective progress in Builsa South. In May 2026, he said residents of the constituency should remain united in their pursuit of development while speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for a 24-hour economy market in Fumbisi.
More recently, his office announced an allocation of GH¢370,000 from his share of the District Assemblies Common Fund to support road rehabilitation and related infrastructure works across the constituency.
As the NDC constituency elections progress, Dr Apaak’s latest statement places emphasis on peaceful competition, respect for delegates’ choices and maintaining relationships within the party beyond the election itself.