The December 7 parliamentary elections across Ghana’s 276 constituencies delivered surprising outcomes, with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) suffering significant losses.
Several prominent NPP Members of Parliament, including key ministers, were unseated in what appears to be a shift in voter dynamics and a strong showing by the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The NDC capitalised on voter discontent, winning constituencies long considered NPP strongholds, a development that signals a potential realignment of Ghana’s political landscape.
Adansi Asokwa
In a major upset, the NDC’s Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani unseated the Minister of Trade and Industry, KT Hammond, in the Adansi Asokwa constituency. Dorani secured 14,229 votes, defeating Hammond, who garnered 13,275. This constituency, a traditional NPP bastion, marked a turning point for the opposition.
KT Hammond, who became Minister for Trade and Industry in March 2023 following Alan Kyerematen’s resignation, faced a strong demand for change among the electorate.
Ayawaso Central
The Minister for the Interior, Henry Quartey, lost his bid to retain the Ayawaso Central seat. The NDC’s Abdul Rauf Tongym Tubazu emerged victorious with 29,755 votes, defeating Quartey, who polled 23,345 votes.
Ablekuma West
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, lost the Ablekuma West seat to Rev. Kweku Addo of the NDC. Addo garnered 31,866 votes, surpassing Owusu-Ekuful’s 26,575 votes in a significant swing for the opposition.
Awutu Senya East
In Awutu Senya East, Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson was defeated by NDC’s Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunnor. Naa Koryoo won with 50,886 votes, while Hawa Koomson managed 46,638 votes.
Sekondi
In Sekondi, the NDC’s Blay Nyameke Armah ousted Tourism Minister Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, securing 14,558 votes to Mercer’s 11,084.
Ayawaso West Wuogon
John Dumelo of the NDC achieved a historic win in Ayawaso West Wuogon, defeating Sanitation and Water Resources Minister Lydia Alhassan. Dumelo received 40,561 votes, while Alhassan polled 27,377.
Okaikwei South
Dakoa Newman, incumbent MP for Okaikwei South, also lost her seat. Her defeat underscores the NPP’s struggles in urban constituencies.
Mfantseman
In Mfantseman, the NDC’s Ebenezer Prince Arhin triumphed over Minister for Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, Ophelia Mensa. Arhin polled 36,989 votes to Mensa’s 24,099.
Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro
Deputy Information Minister Sylvester Tetteh lost his seat in Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro. Tetteh garnered 27,888 votes, while the NDC’s Okle Felix Akwetey won decisively with 37,473 votes.
These results highlight growing voter dissatisfaction with the NPP in several constituencies and reflect the NDC’s ability to capitalise on these sentiments. The losses for high-profile NPP figures, including sitting ministers, demonstrate shifting allegiances and the electorate’s demand for fresh leadership.
As the dust settles, both parties will need to assess these outcomes carefully, as they signal a potentially new era in Ghanaian politics