The 2024 parliamentary elections in Ghana will be remembered as a turning point in the nation’s political history. In a year full of surprises, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) delivered a seismic blow to the New Patriotic Party (NPP), claiming the majority in Parliament. This shift was marked by the defeat of several high-profile NPP Members of Parliament (MPs) in fiercely contested races.
The Fall of Political Giants
1. K.T. Hammond (Adansi Asokwa)
A stalwart of the NPP, K.T. Hammond’s defeat sent shockwaves across the political landscape. His challenger, the NDC’s Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani, won by a slim margin, garnering 14,229 votes to Hammond’s 13,275. Hammond, known for his fiery rhetoric and decades-long tenure, was unseated by a fresh-faced opposition determined to bring change to Adansi Asokwa.
2. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (Ablekuma West)
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful’s loss was perhaps one of the most unexpected. The tech-savvy minister, credited with spearheading Ghana’s digital transformation, fell to the NDC’s Rev. Kweku Addo. Addo claimed victory with 31,866 votes, outpacing Owusu-Ekuful’s 26,575. Her defeat signals a shift in the priorities of voters in Ablekuma West, who opted for a leader with grassroots appeal.
3. Henry Quartey (Ayawaso Central)
Henry Quartey, celebrated for his efforts to decongest Accra and restore order, couldn’t withstand the NDC wave. Abdul Rauf Tongym Tubazu emerged victorious with 29,755 votes against Quartey’s 23,345. Quartey’s loss underscores the electorate’s desire for a different approach to governance in Ayawaso Central.
4. Sylvester Tetteh (Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro)
Sylvester Tetteh’s defeat to Okle Felix Akwetey of the NDC came with a significant margin. Akwetey secured 37,473 votes, leaving Tetteh trailing with 27,888. This result reflects a growing call for fresh leadership in one of Ghana’s fastest-growing constituencies.
5. Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer (Sekondi)
Another prominent casualty was Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer, who lost to Blay Nyameke Armah of the NDC. Mercer’s defeat marks a turning point in Sekondi, traditionally seen as an NPP stronghold.
6. Ophelia Mensah Hayford (Mfantseman)
Ophelia Mensah Hayford, widow of the late Ekow Hayford, lost her seat to Prince Ebenezer Arhin of the NDC. Her defeat adds to the growing list of constituencies that shifted their allegiance.
7. Lydia Seyram Alhassan (Ayawaso West Wuogon)
Actor-turned-politician John Dumelo of the NDC triumphed over incumbent Lydia Seyram Alhassan in a dramatic race. Dumelo’s victory not only reflects his popularity but also his relentless campaigning efforts.
8. Twum Barima (Dormaa East)
Rachel Owusuaa of the NDC narrowly defeated Twum Barima, adding Dormaa East to the opposition’s growing list of victories.
9. John Peter Amewu (Hohoe)
In Hohoe, the NDC’s Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo defeated John Peter Amewu, marking a significant gain in a constituency that has seen fierce competition.
10. Ken Ohene Agyapong (Assin Central)
In a surprising twist, Assin Central, a longtime NPP stronghold, fell to the NDC after Ken Ohene Agyapong chose not to contest. The vacuum left by Agyapong’s exit paved the way for an NDC victory.
What This Means for Ghana’s Political Landscape
The NDC’s remarkable performance in the 2024 elections has reshaped Ghana’s political narrative. With the party now controlling a majority in Parliament, they are well-positioned to advance their legislative agenda. The defeats of seasoned NPP MPs highlight a growing demand for change, accountability, and fresh ideas.
John Dramani Mahama’s victory in the presidential race complements this parliamentary shift, signaling a new chapter in Ghana’s democratic journey. The electorate’s choices in 2024 emphasize the importance of adaptability, grassroots engagement, and delivering tangible results.
Your Turn to Reflect
What do these election results mean for Ghana’s future? How will the NDC’s dominance in Parliament shape policymaking? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about Ghana’s evolving democracy.
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth analyses of Ghana’s political scene!
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