Patrick Yaw Boamah, the incumbent Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, has emerged victorious after a re-collation of election results conducted by the Electoral Commission (EC). Boamah, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), retained his seat with 21,099 votes, narrowly defeating Abdulai Abu Baba Abubakar Sadiq of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who secured 19,368 votes.
The announcement was made at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the EC, where the re-collation exercise took place under stringent police and military security. The exercise formed part of a larger directive by the Accra High Court to resolve disputes in nine constituencies nationwide.
Boamah’s win comes as a relief for the NPP, which faced stiff competition from the NDC in key constituencies during the 2024 general elections. Despite initial uncertainties surrounding the results, the re-collation affirmed Boamah’s position as a two-term MP, giving him another opportunity to represent Okaikwei Central in Parliament.
The re-collation process, which was ordered by the Accra High Court, sought to address irregularities and disputes arising from the initial collation in several constituencies. The court also instructed the EC to finalize the collation process and declare winners in accordance with electoral regulations. This directive included a mandate for the Inspector-General of Police to ensure adequate security at all collation centers.
Apart from Okaikwei Central, other constituencies affected by the re-collation directive included Nsawam-Adoagyiri in the Eastern Region, Ahafo Ano South West, Ahafo Ano North, and Obuasi East in the Ashanti Region, as well as Dome-Kwabenya, Ablekuma North, and Tema Central in Greater Accra, and Techiman South in Bono East.
The re-collation exercise has brought mixed reactions, with some praising the EC for its commitment to transparency and others criticizing delays in resolving electoral disputes. The process at the Greater Accra Regional Office was marked by heavy security presence, ensuring that the exercise proceeded without disruptions.
Speaking after the declaration, Boamah expressed gratitude to his constituents for their unwavering support and promised to work tirelessly to address their needs. “This victory is a testament to the trust the people of Okaikwei Central have in my leadership. I am committed to serving them with integrity and dedication,” he said.
Boamah also called for unity among political stakeholders, emphasizing the need to prioritize development over partisan divisions. “The election is over, and it’s time for us to come together to build a better Okaikwei Central. My doors are open to everyone who wants to contribute to our progress,” he added.
Abdulai Abu Baba Abubakar Sadiq, the NDC’s candidate, conceded defeat gracefully, thanking his supporters for their efforts. He, however, urged the EC to address systemic issues to prevent similar controversies in future elections. “While I accept the outcome, it’s important that we learn lessons from this process to strengthen our electoral system,” he stated.
The re-collation exercise has also shed light on the challenges facing Ghana’s electoral process. Observers have called for increased investment in technology and training to minimize errors and enhance the credibility of future elections.
As the NPP celebrates Boamah’s victory, the party has also secured wins in other constituencies following the re-collation exercise. Charles Forson retained the Tema Central seat for the NPP, while Eric Nana Agyemang-Prempeh and Osei Mensah Dapaah won the Ahafo Ano North and Ahafo Ano South West seats, respectively.
Despite these successes, the NPP faces significant challenges as it transitions into opposition after losing the presidential election to the NDC. The party will need to navigate its role as a minority in Parliament while advocating for the interests of its constituents.
For Boamah, his re-election offers a renewed mandate to push for development initiatives in Okaikwei Central. Known for his focus on education, infrastructure, and community empowerment, he has vowed to build on his achievements and address pressing issues such as unemployment and urban development.
The 2024 elections have underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in Ghana’s democratic process. The re-collation exercise, while contentious, has reinforced the need for stakeholders to uphold the principles of fairness and justice.
As Ghana moves forward, the lessons learned from this election cycle will play a critical role in shaping future electoral reforms. For now, Patrick Yaw Boamah’s victory marks a significant milestone for Okaikwei Central, signaling a continuation of his leadership and a commitment to progress.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0