Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan Constituency Joe Ghartey has announced his intention to contest the presidential primaries of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) this year.
The former Attorney General says he has all that it takes to lead the party into the 2024 presidential elections.
“I am standing for the presidential, flagbearership [race] of NPP,” he said in an interview with Takoradi-based Connect FM on the sidelines of a Thanksgiving Service organised by Ahanta West MP Ebenezer Kojo Kum.
“I think I have what it takes. I strongly believe I have the experience, I have the capacity, I have the humility, I have the sense of service to serve the people of Ghana.”
Joe Ghartey’s announcement comes in the wake of declarations by some party big wigs to contest the primaries when it is held later this year.
Alan Kwadwo Kyerematen and Dr Afriyie Osei Akoto recently resigned from government to pursue interests, key among which is to contest the primaries.
Mr Kyerematen has since officially declared his intention not only to lead the NPP into the elections next year but to become President of Ghana after December, 2024.
Joe Ghartey worked in the first tenure of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the Minister of Railways Development, which he described as one of the most difficult infrastructure portfolios.
“I am happy and proud of what I did at Railway and I thank God that over the years, he has given me training, care and humility to serve.
“The time has come for a leader such as Joe Ghartey, so I am running”.
He said his biggest endorsement has come from the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who he said has made references to his “firm” rulings while serving as 2nd Deputy Speaker of Parliament.
