NDC wins Okaikwei South after 28 years of NPP control

For the first time in 28 years, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has won the parliamentary seat in Okaikwei South Constituency, defeating the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in a closely contested election.

The NDC’s candidate, Ernest Adomako, claimed victory in what many see as a turning point for the constituency, long considered an NPP stronghold.

Mr Adomako obtained 32,691 votes, while the incumbent, Dakoa Newman of the NPP, obtained 25,263 votes, giving the NDC candidate a clear margin of victory, breaking nearly three decades of NPP dominance in the constituency.

This begins a new tenure for the NDC, as all eyes are on how it will fulfil its promises and improve the lives of the people in Okaikwei South. 

Historic win

The victory is a major achievement for the NDC, which has struggled to gain ground in the area.

Mr Adomako thanked voters for choosing change, and credited the party’s success to their commitment to community engagement, focus on youth and plans to address the constituency’s key challenges.

“This win is for the people of Okaikwei South. We are ready to fulfil our promises and work with you all to ensure that everyone benefits from fair and inclusive policies,” he said.

Why the change?

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, some voters and residents attributed the change in preferences to several factors.

While some of the voters attributed the wind of change to the current economic issues, others expressed their disappointment at the incumbent MP’s approach to issues such as unemployment, lack of infrastructure and the rising cost of living.

A resident who gave her name as Maame Ama said: “Although we are NPP, we felt that the MP was too relaxed and did not see much of her work in the constituency”.

Another, who gave her name only as Mercy, expressed her excitement over the turn of events.

She lauded the NDC parliamentary candidate for the energy in his campaign, saying “Although he is not an MP, he was willing to do his best for the constituency”.

A voter, Nii Laryea, also said: “The NDC policies focus more on economic relief, youth support and better accountability so we decided to give them a chance”.

He said the NDC’s win in the constituency would, at least, bring some seriousness and stronger competition between the two major parties in future elections.

NPP stronghold 

Apart from 1992 when Samuel Wise Quarcoo of the EGLE became the Member of Parliament (MP) for the constituency, the constituency has since 1996 always voted NPP.

From 1996 to 2008, Nana Akomea of the NPP became the MP before Ahmed Arthur of the NPP took over from 2012 to 2020.

The incumbent MP, Dakoa Newman, took over from 2020 till date.