By Enoch 
The 2024 parliamentary elections in Ghana have delivered some surprising results, particularly for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). Several high-profile ministers and incumbents lost their seats to challengers from the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Here are some of the most shocking NPP parliamentary seat losses this year:
1. Adansi Asokwa
One of the most notable defeats occurred in Adansi Asokwa, where Trade and Industry Minister KT Hammond lost to the NDC’s Godwin Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani. Dorani secured 14,229 votes to unseat KT Hammond, who garnered 13,275 votes in a constituency previously considered an NPP stronghold.
2. Ayawaso Central
In Ayawaso Central, Abdul Rauf Tongym Tubazu of the NDC defeated Interior Minister Henry Quartey, securing 29,755 votes against Mr. Quartey’s 23,345 votes. This loss is particularly shocking given Quartey’s prominence in the government.
3. Ablekuma West
Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful lost the Ablekuma West seat to Rev Kweku Addo, who polled 31,866 votes against her 26,575 votes. Owusu-Ekuful has been a significant figure in the NPP, making this loss a major blow to the party.
4. Awutu Senya East
Fisheries Minister Mavis Hawa Koomson was unseated in Awutu Senya East, where the NDC’s Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunnor claimed victory with 50,886 votes over Koomson’s 46,638 votes. Koomson’s defeat marks a significant shift in voter sentiment in the region.
5. Sekondi
Tourism Minister Andrew Kofi Egyapa Mercer lost to NDC’s Blay Nyameke Armah, who polled 14,558 votes to Mercer’s 11,084 votes. Mercer’s loss in Sekondi, a key constituency, reflects broader challenges for the NPP in maintaining its strongholds.
6. Mfantseman
The NPP MP for Mfantseman Constituency, Ophelia Mensah Hayford, lost to Prince Ebenezer Arhin of the NDC, who had 35,832 votes against 23,349 votes won by Madam Hayford. This upset is indicative of the NDC’s growing influence in traditionally NPP areas.
7. Tarkwa-Nsuaem
The Deputy Minister of Lands and Natural Resources and Member of Parliament for Tarkwa-Nsuaem Constituency, George Mireku Duker, lost to Sheikh Issah Salifu Taylor of the NDC. Sheikh Taylor garnered 35,906 votes, representing 47.11%, to unseat the incumbent NPP MP, Mr. Duker, who obtained 27,404 votes.
8. Upper West Region
The NPP faced a complete wipeout in the Upper West Region, losing all eleven parliamentary seats to the NDC. Notable losses include Ambrose Dery in Nandom, Dr. Bright Baligi in Lambussie, and Amidu Chinnia Issahaku in Sissala East. This region’s comprehensive shift towards the NDC marks a significant change in political dynamics.
9. Ayawaso West Wuogon
In a historic win, actor John Dumelo of the NDC unseated Sanitation Minister Lydia Alhassan in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency. Dumelo secured 40,561 votes against Alhassan’s 27,377 votes. Dumelo’s victory underscores the changing political landscape and the electorate’s desire for new leadership.
10. Okaikwei South
Incumbent Dakoa Newman lost to an NDC contender. She lost the seat after polling 24,263 votes, representing 42.60%, while her opponent, Ernest Adomako, secured 32,691 votes, accounting for 57.40%. This defeat is another indication of the NPP’s challenges in retaining key seats.
Broader Implications
These losses mark a significant political shift, with the NDC gaining momentum in key constituencies. The election results reflect an evolving political landscape and highlight the need for the NPP to reassess its strategies moving forward. The unexpected defeats in these long-held strongholds suggest that voter priorities and sentiments are changing, possibly driven by current economic and social issues.
