In a candid revelation, the Member of Parliament-Elect for Ablekuma West, Rev. Kweku Addo, has shared the story behind his unexpected journey into politics.
Despite being a pastor and the common view that politics is a “dirty profession,” his decision was deeply influenced by a personal connection and a growing conviction to serve.
The Member of Parliament-Elect for Ablekuma West, Rev. Kweku Addo, has opened up about his unanticipated entry into the political arena.
Speaking in an interview on Metro TV, Rev. Addo disclosed that politics was never part of his plans, let alone running for any public office.
However, his late friend, Humphrey Mensah, the son of the renowned Ghanaian statesman E.T. Mensah, played a pivotal role in altering that trajectory. While Rev. Addo was working in the United States, Humphrey Mensah persistently encouraged him to consider joining the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
“After returning to Ghana for a short break, Humphrey invited me to an NDC meeting in Dansoman, which is part of the Ablekuma West Constituency. Initially, I was hesitant, but after attending several meetings, my interest grew,” Rev. Addo recounted.
Driven by curiosity, he took the bold step of reading the NDC’s constitution, which he found to be straightforward and centred on human dignity.
“After reading the NDC constitution, I found it to be a simple and humane document,” he said.
This deepened his engagement with the party, and with consistent encouragement from Mensah and support from party executives, he decided to contest for Member of Parliament in the constituency.
In 2019, Rev. Addo entered the party primaries and emerged victorious. “I stood against a gentleman, PDA, and I won. Once you win, there’s no turning back,” he remarked.
Despite his initial enthusiasm, the road was not without challenges. Rev. Addo lost in the 2020 parliamentary elections, a setback that could have deterred many. Reflecting on the experience, he admitted, “I didn’t know much about the process in 2020. After that, I gained a better understanding of what I had gotten myself into.”
Instead of giving up, Rev. Addo used the loss as a learning opportunity, refining his approach and working harder to connect with constituents. His efforts paid off in the 2024 elections, where he secured a decisive victory.