Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu’s political journey to becoming one of Ghana’s most prominent lawmakers began with his victory in the 1996 Parliamentary Elections. Contesting on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Osei represented the Suame Constituency, located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, a stronghold of his party. This election was pivotal, as it marked the foundation of his longstanding political career.
During the 1996 elections, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu garnered a total of 47,455 votes, representing an impressive 57.40% of the 64,394 valid votes cast. His closest competitor, Paul Yeboah of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), received 10,828 votes, which amounted to 16.81% of the total. Other contenders included Azong Alhassan of the People’s National Convention (PNC), who managed 3,219 votes (5.00%), and Habiba Atta of the Convention People’s Party (CPP), who earned 2,892 votes (4.49%).
This commanding victory highlighted not only Osei’s political appeal but also the strong backing of the NPP in the Ashanti Region. His campaign focused on addressing the needs of the Suame constituency, which is a bustling urban area with a mix of residential and industrial zones. The region has historically been a hub for trade and mechanics, earning the nickname “Suame Magazine.”
Osei’s victory in 1996 set the stage for a political career marked by consistency and dedication. Over the years, he has retained his seat, becoming a seasoned lawmaker and rising to the position of Majority Leader in Parliament, playing a critical role in shaping Ghana’s legislative processes.
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This early electoral success not only cemented his reputation as a reliable representative for Suame but also established him as a key figure in the NPP’s efforts to strengthen its dominance in the Ashanti Region, a region critical to the party’s national success.