Election 2016 — Eastern Region in preview
All too soon, another election is beckoning Ghanaians and come December 7,2016, the two main political parties namely the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP) will slug it out at the poll.
In the last election in 2012, the NPP won 26 seats as against seven by the NDC.
The NDC won in the Afram Plains South, Afram Plains North, Upper Manya Krobo, Lower Manya, Yilo Krobo, Akwatia and Upper West Akim.
In the 2012 parliamentary election in the Asuogyaman Constituency, Kofi Osei Ameyaw of the NPP, who is no more contesting, polled 20,750 to beat Asare Akoto Jesse who had 18,650.
In Ofoase – Ayirebi, a new entrant, Mr Oppong Nkrumah, replaced Mr David Oppong Kusi. Mr Kusi polled 19,025 to beat Mr Tom Kenneth Budu who had 13,659 votes.
Mr Budu is staging a comeback after garnering 13,659 votes in the 2012 parliamentary election.
Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mr Victor Smith, is contesting for the second time in the Abuakwa North Constituency. In 2012, he polled 12,309, while the late Joseph Boakye Danquah – Adu had 18,812. However, during the bye election, Mr Smith failed to contest against the NPP candidate, Mrs Gifty Ampofo – Twum who won the seat with ease.
Call him the Suhum “Mugabe” and you will not be far from right. Mr Frederick Opare – Ansah has been one Member of Parliament for the constituency who has brushed aside all opposition to keep the seat safe for the NPP. This year’s election promises to be a tough one for the incumbent MP who is being given a run for his money by Miss Margaret “Maago” Ansei. Mr Opare – Ansah polled 24,046, with the then NDC candidate, Mr Julius Debrah, now the Chief of Staff, polling 23,658. As to whether Miss Ansei can bridge the gap, it remains to be seen come December 7.
Atiwa East and West
These constituencies have been the strongholds of the NPP since 1996. In Atiwa East, Mrs Abena Osei Asare defeated Mr Foster Asante with 16,449 against 6,480, while in Atiwa West, Mr Kwesi Amoako Atta made mince meat of Mr Emmanuel Atta Twum securing 17,176 against Mr Twum’s 5,984.
Akwatia
The Akwatia Constituency is going to be fought keenly between Babal Jamal of the NDC and the NPP’s Ama Sey. This is one seat Mr Jamal would not wish to relinquish easily as he would spend his last penny to retain it. The reason being that Mr Jamal had to contest on four occasions before finally getting the opportunity to represent his people in Parliament. But in Miss Sey he has a formidable candidate who has vowed to take the seat which had been the preserve of the NPP since 1996.
Other constituencies
Other constituencies where the NPP holds sway are Ofoase – Ayirebi, Asene –Akroso – Manso, Okere, Abetifi, Ayensuano, Abirem, Fanteakwa North, Fanteakwah South, Abuakwa North, Abuakwa South, Kade, Achiase, Lower West Akim and Mpraeso.
The rest are Akim Oda, New Juaben North, New Juaben South, Akim Swedru, Akuapem North, Akuapem South, Nkawkaw and Nsawam – Adoagyiri.
Agenda 50/50
The NDC has declared agenda 50/50 in the Eastern Region with the hope of securing 50 per cent of the popular votes.
Since 1996, the region has been a waterloo for the NDC found. It has difficult to break the “myth” surrounding the hegemony of the NPP. The NDC is of the view that it is possible to surmount the dominance of the NPP in the region but the NPP has described it as wishful thinking.
As to whether the dream of the NDC would come to fruition would be known on December 7,2016.
The Deputy Regional Secretary of the NDC, Mr Francis Dompreh, was optimistic that the party would make a huge impact.
On the other hand, the Regional Communication Director of the NPP, Mr K. Prah, said the party would widen the margin since people of the region are clamouring for change.
“Look at the roads in the region. No amount of propaganda will save the NDC as we are going to be vigilant on election day to prevent the stealing of ballot boxes and papers,” he said.