John Dumelo: Politicians Must Acknowledge That the People Are Now Wiser

John Dumelo, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon in the Greater Accra Region, has praised the increasing political awareness of voters, noting that their growing discernment played a key role in the outcome of the December 7, 2024 general elections. Dumelo, who ran as the candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), emerged victorious by unseating the incumbent Member of Parliament, Lydia Seyram Alhassan of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Dumelo secured 47,560 votes, surpassing Alhassan, who garnered 39,214 votes.

In a recent interview on Daybreak Hitz, Dumelo explained that his victory could be attributed to several factors, including his hardworking campaign, a focus on policies that directly impacted the lives of his constituents, and the electorate’s increasing desire for genuine leadership. Dumelo believes that voters are now more focused on substantive representation, with an emphasis on leaders who offer clear, actionable plans for improving their communities. He expressed confidence that his policy-driven campaign resonated with the electorate, who, he believes, are less likely to be swayed by material inducements and empty promises.

Dumelo also pointed out the tactics used by his opponent, Lydia Alhassan, during the campaign, alleging that she distributed food items, money, and engaged voters directly while they stood in line to cast their ballots. Despite these efforts, Dumelo stressed that the electorate could not be easily manipulated. “Judging from the results, you can’t fool the people all the time. If they don’t want to vote for you, they will collect the things and still not vote for you,” Dumelo remarked, highlighting that voters were becoming increasingly wise to such tactics.

While Alhassan employed these strategies, Dumelo took a different approach. He refrained from using similar methods, which he considered politically unethical. He firmly believes that resorting to bribery and material inducements undermines the integrity of the electoral process. “You don’t fight crime with crime; that’s why I was just cool and calm about it,” Dumelo said, emphasizing that he chose to conduct his campaign with integrity and dignity. Rather than relying on material gifts, Dumelo focused on building genuine relationships with his constituents and directly addressing their concerns.

Dumelo’s campaign emphasized a vision for the future of Ayawaso West Wuogon that was grounded in addressing the challenges faced by the people of the constituency. He made it a priority to engage with voters, listen to their needs, and present a detailed roadmap for progress. By highlighting his dedication to public service, Dumelo sought to show voters that his interest in politics was not just for personal gain, but for the betterment of the community. His strategy was centered around the idea that effective leadership comes from a place of service, transparency, and a strong commitment to the people’s well-being.

Reflecting on his victory, Dumelo expressed his optimism for the future and his belief that his approach to campaigning had truly connected with the people of Ayawaso West Wuogon. He believes that the voters’ decision was a direct result of their desire for leaders who are committed to delivering real change and who operate with a sense of responsibility and accountability.

Looking ahead to his time in office, Dumelo is determined to honor the trust placed in him by his constituents. He reiterated his commitment to prioritizing the needs of the people and to delivering on the promises made during the campaign. Dumelo understands the challenges that lie ahead but remains confident in his ability to lead effectively and bring about positive changes in Ayawaso West Wuogon. He stressed that his focus will remain on meaningful and accountable representation, and he is prepared to work tirelessly to address the issues that matter most to his constituents.

Ultimately, Dumelo’s victory reflects the evolving political landscape in Ghana, where voters are becoming more discerning and less likely to be swayed by material tactics. As he prepares to serve as their representative, Dumelo’s focus on ethics, policy, and genuine leadership signals a new era of political engagement in the constituency. The people of Ayawaso West Wuogon, Dumelo believes, are ready for a change, and he is eager to help lead that transformation.