THE SCRAMBLE FOR AMENFI WEST MCE: IS SAMUEL KWAKU OPPONG THE CHOSEN ONE? A BOMBSHELL DROPS

As the search intensifies for a new Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Wasa Amenfi West, the spotlight is increasingly focusing on Samuel Kwaku Oppong. With a diverse background spanning education, local governance, and political experience, Oppong’s candidacy is gaining traction, with many suggesting he possesses the necessary credentials to address the municipality’s unique developmental challenges.

Oppong’s professional background is rooted in education. He currently serves as the Deputy Director within the Ghana Education Service, heading the Municipal Statistics, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Planning Unit since 2017. Prior to this, he served as a Circuit Supervisor (now Senior Inspector of Schools) from 2011 to 2017 and taught at Asankrangwa Senior High Technical School from 2006 to 2011.

Beyond his educational career, Oppong boasts significant experience in local governance. He served as a Government Appointee to the Wasa Amenfi West District Assembly from 2010 to 2012 and as an Assembly Member for the Asankran Breman Electoral Area from 2006 to 2010. During his time in the assembly, he also served on the Executive Committee (2008-2010) and as Secretary of the Social Services Sub-Committee (2006-2010).

His political involvement is equally extensive. Oppong has served as the Constituency Secretary for the NDC for three consecutive terms since 2014 and is a member of the Constituency Communication Team. Described as truthful, factual, fearless, respectful, and direct, Oppong is recognized for his ability to articulate the achievements of the NDC and the Member of Parliament in Amenfi West. Sources highlight his strength in rural politics and connecting with constituents at the grassroots level.

Supporting his practical experience is a robust academic foundation. Oppong is nearing completion of a Masters of Public Administration degree at GIMPA (2024). He also holds an Advanced Political Leadership and Party Organization certificate from the Ghana Institute of Social Democracy (2022), a Masters of Education in Measurements and Evaluation from the University of Cape Coast (2019), a Masters of Education in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Education, Winneba (2011), a Diploma in Education from the University of Education, Kumasi Campus (2010), and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and the Study of Religion from the University of Ghana.

Proponents of Oppong’s candidacy emphasize his versatility, arguing that his multi-faceted credentials make him ideally suited to tackle the complex developmental challenges facing Amenfi West. They highlight the need for an energetic MCE capable of balancing the needs of both urban and rural communities within the municipality. Furthermore, the unique challenges posed by the proliferation of small, independent settlements within Amenfi West require a strategic and dynamic leader capable of navigating resource allocation and societal pressures. This, according to supporters, makes Samuel Kwaku Oppong a compelling candidate for the role of MCE. The coming weeks are expected to reveal whether Oppong will indeed be “the chosen one” to lead Wasa Amenfi West forward.