The parliamentary elections held on December 7 across all 276 constituencies yielded surprising results, particularly for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The NPP experienced considerable losses, with numerous Members of Parliament, including prominent ministers, being unseated. These defeats highlight the difficulties the party encountered in sustaining its influence in various areas.
Conversely, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) capitalized on this situation, achieving significant victories in constituencies that have historically been regarded as NPP bastions.
This development indicates a possible shift in voter sentiment and underscores the evolving nature of Ghana’s political environment.
Adansi Asokwa
A particularly striking upset took place in the Adansi Asokwa constituency, where the Minister of Trade and Industry, KT Hammond, was defeated by the NDC’s Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani. This area had been considered a stronghold for the NPP for an extended period.
Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani won with 14,229 votes, successfully ousting KT Hammond, who received 13,275 votes. Although the victory margin was not excessively large, it conveyed a powerful message regarding the electorate’s desire for change and their readiness to explore new leadership options.
In February 2023, after Alan Kyerematen resigned from his position as Minister for Trade and Industry, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo nominated KT Hammond for the role, which was subsequently approved by Parliament in March 2023, leading to his swearing-in.
Ayawaso Central
In another significant development, Henry Quartey, the Minister for the Interior, was unable to retain the Ayawaso Central seat for the NPP.
The NDC’s Abdul Rauf Tongym Tubazu won Ayawaso Central with 29,755 votes, defeating Henry Quartey, who received 23,345 votes.
In the Ablekuma West constituency, Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, was defeated by Rev Kweku Addo, who received 31,866 votes compared to Owusu-Ekuful’s 26,575 votes.
In Awutu Senya East, a significant upset occurred as the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson, lost to the NDC candidate, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunnor. Naa Koryoo achieved 50,886 votes, surpassing Hawa Koomson, who garnered 46,638 votes.
In Sekondi, Blay Nyameke Armah of the NDC emerged victorious with 14,558 votes, defeating the NPP’s Tourism Minister, Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, who received 11,084 votes.
John Dumelo of the NDC made history in Ayawaso West Wuogon by defeating the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Lydia Alhassan, with a total of 40,561 votes, while Alhassan secured 27,377 votes.
Dakoa Newman, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Okaikwei South, has become part of the increasing number of prominent New Patriotic Party (NPP) members who lost their seats in the December 7 elections. Her defeat reflects the growing challenges the NPP faces in urban constituencies, where voter preferences are shifting.
In Mfantseman, the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Ophelia Mensa, also faced defeat, polling 24,099 votes against the NDC’s Ebenezer Prince Arhin, who won with 36,989 votes.
Sylvester Tetteh, the MP for Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro and Deputy Minister for Information, experienced a notable loss, receiving 27,888 votes, while his opponent, Okle Felix Akwetey of the NDC, won decisively with 37,473 votes. This outcome further emphasizes the NDC’s increasing influence in critical constituencies.
