The December 7 parliamentary elections, held across all 276 constituencies, delivered unexpected outcomes, especially for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The NPP suffered significant setbacks, with several of its Members of Parliament, including key figures holding ministerial positions, losing their seats. These losses underscore the challenges the party faced in maintaining its dominance in various regions.
Meanwhile, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) seized the opportunity to make remarkable gains, winning in constituencies traditionally seen as NPP strongholds.
This shift signals a potential realignment of voter preferences and highlights the dynamic nature of Ghana’s political landscape.
Adansi Asokwa
One of the most notable upsets occurred in the Adansi Asokwa constituency, where the Minister of Trade and Industry, KT Hammond, lost his seat to the NDC’s Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani. This constituency had long been viewed as a safe zone for the NPP.
Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani emerged victorious with a total of 14,229 votes, successfully unseating KT Hammond, who garnered 13,275 votes. The margin of victory, while not overwhelmingly large, was enough to send a strong message about the electorate’s desire for change and their willingness to shift alliances in pursuit of fresh leadership.
In February 2023, following the resignation of Alan Kyerematen as Minister for Trade and Industry, President Nana Addo Dankwa AKufo-Addo nominated KT Hammond for consideration by Parliament as Minister for Trade and Industry. In March 2023, Parliament approved his nomination and he was subsequently sworn into office.
Ayawaso Central
Henry Quartey, the Minister for the Interior lost his bid to retain the Ayawaso Central seat for the NPP.
The NDC’s Abdul Rauf Tongym Tubazu claimed Ayawaso Central with 29,755 votes, defeating Henry Quartey who garnered 23,345 votes.
Ablekuma West
Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful lost Ablekuma West to Rev Kweku Addo. Rev Addo polled 31866 votes while the Communications Minister garnered 26575 votes.
Awutu Senya East
A major upset occurred at Awutu Senya East when the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Mavis Hawa Koomson lost to the NDC’s Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunnor.
Naa Koryoo secured 50,886 votes, defeating Hawa Koomson, who garnered 46,638 votes.
Sekondi
In Sekondi, Blay Nyameke Armah of the NDC won with 14,558 votes, ousting Tourism Minister Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer of the NPP, who polled 11,084 votes.
Ayawaso West Wuogon
John Dumelo of the NDC caused a historic upset in Ayawaso West Wuogon by defeating the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Lydia Alhassan, with 40,561 votes. Lydia Alhassan polled with 27,377 votes.
Okaikwei South
Dakoa Newman, the incumbent MP for Okaikwei South, has joined the growing list of high-profile New Patriotic Party (NPP) members who lost their seats in the December 7 elections.
Her defeat highlights the mounting challenges faced by the NPP in urban constituencies, where voter dynamics are increasingly shifting.
Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro
Sylvester Tetteh, the MP for Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro, also suffered a significant loss. He secured 27,888 votes, falling behind his opponent, Okle Felix Akwetey of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who won decisively with 37,473 votes. This result further underscores the NDC’s growing influence in key constituencies.