Central Region Turns Green: NDC Wins 18 Seats, NPP Claims 4, and Independent Candidate Secures 1

The Central Region of Ghana, a historically swing area in national elections, witnessed a significant shift during the December 7 polls, as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured a dominant victory by winning 18 out of the region’s 23 parliamentary seats. This outcome was part of a broader political trend known as the “green tsunami,” signaling widespread discontent with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and a desire for change. John Dramani Mahama, the NDC’s presidential candidate, also secured a resounding win in the region, further solidifying the party’s hold over the area.
In the Central Region, a total of 992,477 votes were cast in the elections. The NDC won 617,100 votes, while the NPP garnered 421,691 votes, a difference of 192,409 votes. Mahama’s success in this region was evident as he triumphed in every constituency except Effutu and Hemang Lower Denkyira, further demonstrating the dissatisfaction with the incumbent administration. Key issues influencing the election results included the country’s economic struggles, illegal mining (galamsey), declining fish stocks affecting coastal communities, and the high unemployment rate. A substantial number of first-time voters also expressed their desire to experience a “new” government, signaling a shift in voter sentiment toward change. Furthermore, some voters in the region felt that the political leadership had neglected the interests of the people, particularly those from the Central Region.
Looking back to the 2020 general elections, the NPP had secured 10 seats, while the NDC had captured 13 seats in the region. This time, the NDC made significant inroads, winning six of the 10 seats previously held by the NPP. These included Agona West, Awutu Senya East, Upper Denkyira East, Assin Central, Abura Asebu Kwamankese, and Mfantseman. However, the NDC was unable to capture the Upper Denkyira West seat, which was retained by the NPP. The NDC also conceded four seats to the NPP, namely Hemang Lower Denkyira, Effutu, Assin South, and Upper Denkyira West.
Effutu, represented by Majority Leader Alex Afenyo Markin, proved to be one of the toughest battlegrounds for the NDC, largely due to the substantial developmental projects and job opportunities initiated by Markin in the constituency. Despite the NDC’s strong campaign, Afenyo Markin’s influence in Effutu remained a significant factor in the NPP’s retention of the seat.
In Assin South, the incumbent NPP Member of Parliament, John Ntim Fordjour, managed to hold onto his seat with 14,899 votes, despite a challenge from an independent candidate, Stephen Kofi Baidoo, who received 13,354 votes. The NDC’s candidate, Joseph Kofi Damptey, polled 10,332 votes. However, in the presidential race, Mahama emerged victorious in Assin South with 19,086 votes, defeating the NPP’s Mahamudu Bawumia, who received 17,615 votes. The race in Assin South highlighted the political complexities of the region, where the NDC’s presidential candidate outperformed the NPP candidate despite the NPP retaining the parliamentary seat.
The emergence of independent candidates in the election was another notable aspect of the Central Region’s political landscape. Entertainer and politician Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as A Plus, made a striking debut in the political arena by winning the Gomoa Central seat. A Plus polled 14,277 votes, defeating the incumbent NPP Member of Parliament, Naana Eyiah, who secured 11,637 votes. Despite this loss, the NPP candidate had previously won the seat, but her relationship with constituents had deteriorated, leading to her eventual defeat in the general parliamentary election.
The NDC also achieved significant victories in constituencies that had traditionally been strongholds for the NPP. In Awutu Senya East, a dramatic contest saw Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunnor of the NDC defeat the incumbent NPP Minister of Fisheries, Mavis Hawa Koomson. Okunnor garnered 50,886 votes, edging out Koomson, who secured 46,638 votes. This marked a significant shift in a constituency that had never been held by the NDC before. The NDC’s momentum continued with impressive wins in constituencies like Mfantseman, Ajumako Enyan Essiam, and Cape Coast North/South, where the NDC’s candidates emerged victorious.
The Central Region’s remarkable shift in political allegiance was also influenced by the presence of Vice President-elect, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, a daughter of the region. Her strong connection to the area likely played a role in galvanizing support for the NDC, contributing to the party’s success in the region.
Local analysts and political experts have pointed to several factors that contributed to the NDC’s success, with economic frustrations at the forefront. The government’s failure to address issues such as the economic downturn, the depletion of fish stocks, and the closure of the fishing season left many voters feeling disillusioned. Dr. Takyi Akonor, a political scientist at the University of Cape Coast, emphasized that political leaders must be attuned to the concerns of their constituents. Ignoring these concerns, he argued, could result in severe political consequences, as was evident in the Central Region’s shift away from the NPP.
The Central Region’s overwhelming support for the NDC in the 2024 elections reflected deep-seated frustrations with the NPP and a desire for change. The NDC’s victory in 18 of the region’s 23 parliamentary seats, combined with Mahama’s commanding performance in the presidential race, demonstrated the electorate’s yearning for a new direction. The Central Region’s political landscape has once again proven to be fluid and dynamic, with the NDC capitalizing on local issues and voter sentiment to secure a significant win.