The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has announced its ambitious goal of securing between 28 and 30 parliamentary seats in the Eastern Region for the upcoming December 7 general elections. This projection is based on the party’s track record of developmental achievements and its confidence in the region’s strong support base.
Currently, the NPP holds 25 out of the 33 parliamentary seats in the region, making it one of the party’s strongest political strongholds.
Commitment to Vigilance and Unity
During the party’s health walk event, dubbed the Final Walk, in Kwahu-Abetifi, NPP General Secretary Justin Frempong Kodua rallied supporters to remain vigilant during the elections. He emphasized the need for discipline, vigilance, and unity to achieve their electoral goals.
“We will wake up early in the morning to get to the polls on December 7 to vote, and after voting, we will stand at the appropriate place to observe the counting process. We have heard that the NDC is plotting to tamper with the ballot box, but we will not allow that. We will be vigilant but peaceful,” Frempong Kodua stated.
He also urged voters to rally behind the party’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, as a means of safeguarding initiatives such as the Free SHS policy and ensuring continuity of the NPP’s development agenda.
Eastern Region’s Role in Parliamentary Dominance
The Member of Parliament for Abuakwa South Constituency, Samuel Attah Akyea, highlighted the Eastern Region’s strategic importance in determining parliamentary dominance. He urged residents to avoid “skirt and blouse” voting and to support both NPP parliamentary candidates and the party’s flagbearer.
“We need the majority in Parliament, and Speaker Bagbin cannot determine that majority for us. It is you, the people of the Eastern Region, who will decide. Let us vote overwhelmingly for Bawumia and NPP MPs to protect our gains,” Attah Akyea remarked.
He also dismissed claims that Ghana’s economic challenges were unique, pointing out that global economic difficulties were pervasive. “By God’s grace, this is the first time we have an economist like Bawumia leading us. The Eastern Region must vote decisively for Bawumia and the NPP,” he added.
The Eastern Region’s Parliamentary Election History
Background
The Eastern Region, one of Ghana’s largest and most politically significant regions, has traditionally been a stronghold of the NPP. Over the years, it has consistently delivered a majority of parliamentary seats to the party, making it a critical factor in the NPP’s national electoral strategy.
Historical Trends
- 1996 Elections
- In the early years of Ghana’s Fourth Republic, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) dominated parliamentary seats in the Eastern Region. However, the NPP began to establish its presence in key constituencies such as Abuakwa South and New Juaben.
- 2000 Elections
- The 2000 general elections marked a significant shift, with the NPP winning a majority of seats in the region as John Agyekum Kufuor swept to power. The party’s popularity grew, especially in urban and peri-urban constituencies.
- 2004 to 2016
- The NPP maintained its dominance, consistently securing over 60% of the parliamentary seats in the region. During this period, constituencies such as Akim Oda, Nsawam-Adoagyiri, and Abetifi became synonymous with NPP victories.
- 2020 Elections
- In the 2020 general elections, the NPP solidified its hold on the Eastern Region, winning 25 out of 33 seats. The party’s strong grassroots organization and focus on flagship policies like the Free SHS initiative resonated with voters.
Challenges and Opportunities in 2024
While the NPP has enjoyed dominance, the NDC has made strategic inroads in constituencies like Afram Plains North and South, buoyed by strong agricultural communities and local concerns. However, the NPP’s developmental projects and appeal to youth voters through digitalization initiatives provide a strong platform for the party to achieve its 30-seat target.
Conclusion
As Ghana approaches the December 7 general elections, the Eastern Region remains a crucial battleground. The NPP’s target of 30 parliamentary seats underscores its confidence in the region’s loyalty and its commitment to maintaining dominance in Parliament while driving national development.
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