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The 2024 general elections marked a defining moment in Ghana’s political landscape.
The ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), which campaigned under the slogan “Breaking the 8”, suffered a major setback.
Former President John Dramani Mahama made a triumphant return to power, reclaiming the presidency for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which also secured a commanding majority in Parliament.
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This national trend was echoed in the Odododiodio Constituency—a traditional NDC stronghold located in the heart of Accra—where the NPP experienced a decisive defeat.
Since the return to democratic rule in 1992, the NDC has largely dominated Odododiodio, except for the year 2000, when a young Reginald Niibi Ayi Bonte won the seat for the NPP.
The NPP had shown signs of progress in recent elections, reducing the margin of defeat from 19,688 votes in 2016 to 6,559 votes in 2020. However, these gains proved unsustainable.
In 2024, the NPP:
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Lost the parliamentary race by 13,596 votes
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Lost the presidential race by 17,476 votes in the constituency
Performance Overview: NPP Parliamentary Candidates
| Candidate | Year | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Nii Lante Bannerman | 2020 | 34,887 |
| Reginald Niibi Ayi Bonte | 2004 | 31,546 |
| Reginald Niibi Ayi Bonte | 2000 | 28,270 |
| Odoi Sykes | 1996 | 27,097 |
| Nii Lante Bannerman | 2016 | 26,671 |
| Okaikoi | 2012 | 26,269 |
| Adjei Sowah | 2008 | 25,495 |
| Mannaf Sowah | 2024 | 24,877 |
| Asafoatse Mankattah (By-election) | 2005 | 18,461 |
Performance Overview: NPP Presidential Candidates
| Candidate | Year | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Nana Akufo-Addo | 2020 | 33,896 |
| John Agyekum Kufuor | 2004 | 32,046 |
| John Agyekum Kufuor | 2000 | 27,132 |
| Nana Akufo-Addo | 2012 | 27,047 |
| Nana Akufo-Addo | 2016 | 26,585 |
| John Agyekum Kufuor | 1996 | 26,181 |
| Nana Akufo-Addo (Runoff) | 2008 | 25,989 |
| Nana Akufo-Addo | 2008 | 25,846 |
| Mahamudu Bawumia | 2024 | 22,624 |
Performance Overview: NDC Parliamentary Candidates
| Candidate | Year | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| Nii Lante Vanderpuye | 2012 | 45,957 |
| Nii Lante Vanderpuye | 2020 | 41,446 |
| Ashie Kotey | 2024 | 38,474 |
| Nii Lante Vanderpuye | 2016 | 36,606 |
| Samuel Mankattah | 2004 | 35,634 |
| Tackie Kommey | 2008 | 34,812 |
| Okaidja Adamafio | 1996 | 29,142 |
| Okaidja Adamafio | 2000 | 24,181 |
Performance Overview: NDC Presidential Candidates
| Candidate | Year | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| John Mahama | 2012 | 45,555 |
| John Mahama | 2020 | 42,636 |
| John Mahama | 2024 | 40,100 |
| John Atta Mills (Runoff) | 2008 | 37,414 |
| John Mahama | 2016 | 37,217 |
| John Atta Mills | 2004 | 35,489 |
| John Atta Mills | 2008 | 35,442 |
| Jerry John Rawlings | 1996 | 31,142 |
| John Atta Mills | 2000 | 24,944 |
The results point to a clear decline in NPP’s popularity in Odododiodio, reaffirming the constituency’s identity as an NDC bastion. However, the loss cannot simply be attributed to voter loyalty or party tradition—underlying structural issues played a significant role.
1. Unfulfilled Development Promises
Key government-led infrastructure projects such as:
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Sempe School
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Salaga Market
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Agenda 111 Hospital remain uncompleted, which allowed the NDC to successfully question the NPP’s credibility and commitment.
Additionally, the much-anticipated James Town Harbour Project was only partially commissioned and remains non-operational. This disappointed many constituents, especially unemployed youth who had pinned hopes on the project for job opportunities.
2. Internal Party Divisions
Intra-party conflicts have weakened the NPP’s campaign cohesion. Primary elections have too often devolved into personal feuds rather than constructive political contests, leaving behind deep resentment. Factionalism is rife, and the failure to integrate or appease losing camps has weakened mobilisation and voter outreach.
This toxic internal culture breeds apathy and disunity, undermining the NPP’s electoral machinery in a constituency where every vote matters.
The Road to 2028: A Time for Reflection and Rebuilding
As the NPP awaits the findings of its 2024 Review Committee, there is an urgent need for honest introspection. The party must move beyond blame games and finger-pointing. It must instead focus on:
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Grassroots re-engagement
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Infrastructure delivery
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Rebuilding internal unity
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Open, respectful communication among party ranks
Ultimately, winning elections isn’t only about counting votes—it’s about counting lessons and correcting course.
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