February 10, 2025

The Elephant is Finally Dead’ – Dome Kwabenya MP-elect Faustina Elikplim Akurugu

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Faustina Elikplim Akurugu

Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, has made history by being declared the Member of Parliament-elect for Dome Kwabenya, marking the end of the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) long-standing dominance in the constituency. Her victory, achieved by a narrow margin, is being hailed as a significant political shift and a testament to the changing dynamics of the region.

In her victory speech, Akurugu used a powerful metaphor to describe the importance of her win: “The elephant is a big animal, and when you kill it, before it finally dies, it has to take time and struggle. Today, the elephant is finally dead.” The metaphor referred to the NPP’s elephant symbol, which has long been associated with the party’s dominance in the area. She attributed her success to a combination of “hard work, dedication, and prayers,” recognizing that her victory was not just a personal triumph but a collective effort driven by the support of the people.

Dome Kwabenya, historically an NPP stronghold, had never been won by the NDC until Akurugu’s breakthrough. The constituency had long been regarded as one of the NPP’s key bases, and Akurugu’s win marked a dramatic departure from that political tradition. The final vote count saw her secure 50,967 votes, narrowly defeating the NPP’s candidate, Michael Aaron Oquaye Jnr., who garnered 50,669 votes—a margin of just 298 votes. Despite the slim margin, Akurugu’s victory was significant, as it symbolized the shifting political landscape in the area and demonstrated that change was possible.

Akurugu took a moment to reflect on the process that led to her victory, which was not without challenges. The collation of votes was delayed on election night due to missing pink sheets and disruptions at the collation center. These issues raised concerns among some observers, but the Electoral Commission (EC) worked to address the discrepancies. After conducting a thorough review, the EC confirmed the results, assuring the public that the final tally accurately reflected the will of the voters. Akurugu’s victory, despite the challenges in the process, was seen as a vindication of the people’s choice and a reminder of the importance of democracy in ensuring that leaders are elected fairly.

As the first-ever NDC Member of Parliament for Dome Kwabenya, Akurugu expressed a deep sense of responsibility. She recognized the trust placed in her by her constituents and vowed to work tirelessly to honor that trust. “Dome Kwabenya has always been for the NPP. This is the first time the NDC has taken the seat, and it’s hard work that will make the people maintain me for long,” she declared. She acknowledged that the journey ahead would be challenging, but she was committed to making a positive difference in the constituency. Akurugu promised that her focus would be on improving the lives of her constituents, driving development, and making Dome Kwabenya a place that all Ghanaians would be proud to visit.

The victory is also seen as a major political breakthrough for the NDC, signaling that the party is capable of making inroads in areas that were once considered strongholds of the NPP. Akurugu’s win is expected to galvanize NDC supporters and may set the stage for future successes in other traditionally NPP-dominated areas. The narrow margin of her victory also indicates that the political climate in the region is becoming more competitive, with both major parties now having a strong presence in the area.

Looking ahead, Akurugu promised that her work as MP would begin immediately. She said, “The voice of the people has finally spoken, and to God be the glory,” and expressed her determination to deliver on her campaign promises. Her goal, she emphasized, was to ensure that Dome Kwabenya sees transformative growth and development under her leadership. She also stressed the importance of unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve sustainable progress for the constituency.

Faustina Elikplim Akurugu’s victory in Dome Kwabenya marks a turning point in Ghana’s political history. By securing a seat in what was once considered a stronghold of the NPP, she has not only made history for the NDC but also set a precedent for future elections in the region. As she embarks on her tenure as the constituency’s first-ever NDC Member of Parliament, she is committed to fulfilling her promise of improving the lives of her constituents and contributing to the overall development of the country.

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