Mallam Issah, as he is popularly known, indicated that he had been contacted as far back as 2012 to contest the seat by some NDC faithfuls but declined because he “was not ready and wanted to talk to the party executives before taking the decision.”
The ex-convict in an interview said: “I have lived in Adenta for over 20 years and I really know their needs. I was there before Nii Ashie Moore, the current incumbent, decided to contest the seat. I have been an NDC member since 2003 since I left the PNC.
“I was with the PNC before I took that decision to join NDC after my issue with the NPP where I was convicted.”
Questioned about his eligibility following his status as an ex-convict, Mallam Issah said: “If you are granted a presidential pardon the constitution allows you to run for elections. Secondly if you have been out for more than 10 years since your conviction, you can also contest.
“Mind you I was granted a Presidential pardon and also I have been out for over 10 years so that qualifies me to contest.”
Lamenting his conviction, he said “my case was not what happened and so I did wide consultation before taking the decision… This case was a ploy to push the NPP’s agenda in their zero tolerance for corruption so they needed a scapegoat.”
He further indicated that this was not his first time running for a parliamentary contest. “I tested the ground in Bawku West and I just wanted to know how the reception would be but after consultation I had to leave it for the incumbent Cletus Avorka.
“I was reminded that we were a big family so I had to leave it for him to contest and supported him and he won.”
The National Democratic Congress opened nominations for the parliamentary candidates on Thursday August 27, 2015 and several known and unknown names and faces have popped up to pick forms and many have shown interest in contesting for that position.
Presidential Staffer Sam George has shown interest in contesting the Ningo Prampram seat against incumbent Enoch Teye Mensah or E.T Mensah as he is popularly known. Other contestants include Abraham Amaliba, Deputy Communications Minister, Felix Kwakye Ofosu amongst others.
By Martin Asiedu-Dartey|3news.com|Ghana
Twitter: @NewsyMartin