In the La Dadekotopon Constituency, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are preparing for a tight race ahead of the December 7 elections.
Incumbent NDC MP Rita Naa Odoley Sowah seeks re-election, while first-time NPP candidate Joseph Addo, closely associated with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, aims to capture the seat.
According to the 2020 voters’ register, La Dadekotopon has a total of 124,116 voters across 20 electoral areas. The constituency includes notable localities such as La, Burma Camp, Labone, and Cantonments.
Historically, this constituency has been a stronghold for the NDC, which has dominated presidential elections here since 1996, except in 2000, when the NPP narrowly won. In parliamentary races, the NDC also holds the lead, having won five out of the last seven contests.
In 2020, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah who ran the NDC primaries, was selected as their candidate, and won the general election, making history as the first female to win the La Dade-Kotopon parliamentary seat.
She received 47,606 votes, representing 53.67%, while her closest opponent, Joseph Gerald Tetteh Nyanyofio of the NPP, polled 41,101 votes, or 46.33%.
After serving her four-year term, she seeks re-election and is confident of retaining the seat.
In an interview with Channel One News, Rita Naa Odoley Sowah said, “I have lived with the good people of Dadekotopon. I have served them well, and we have lived in peace. My track record will speak for me. From education to my humanitarian work and my efforts in Parliament, including the LGBTQ bill we championed. They have seen my good works, and I know that they will give me another mandate.”
The NPP, aiming to reclaim the seat, is fielding Joseph Addo, a long-time chauffeur for President Akufo-Addo. Though new to the political arena, Addo’s close ties to the president have drawn attention to his candidacy.
“There’s always a first time. I believe strongly that we will sail through with hard work. Everybody knows what I have been doing since 2017, and they will see more if I am given the opportunity,” Joseph Addo said.
When asked about his transition from driving the president to politics, he answered, “I have been driving the president for 24 years. I don’t fear losing my job when Akufo-Addo’s term ends; I will still drive him when he is a former president.”
Could Joseph Addo’s political debut and support from high-ranking NPP members tilt the scales in favour of the NPP?
The NPP’s constituency chairman, Kingsley Agyemang, believes so, saying it’s time for the La Dadekotopon constituency to go blue.
“This is the time. They (NDC) have done nothing since they came. She promised to put up libraries but hasn’t done a single one since becoming an MP, and that’s why we need them out. Our candidate’s nickname is ‘Ezebe 1,’ which means ‘Adwumawura’ or ‘hard worker.’ He will do it!” he stressed.
The NDC in the constituency, however, debunked claims of neglect and showed confidence in winning both the parliamentary and presidential votes.
The NDC Secretary in the La Dadekotopon constituency, Dzifa Gunu, said all indications point to victory for the party.
“We, the executives, are working on the ground. We are visiting the markets, schools, churches, locals, and we will leave no stone unturned. They cannot blame us for bad governance. How is it the fault of the MP that the La Trade Fair was demolished? It employed thousands of people, yet it was brought down, and, to date, there’s nothing to show for it. The people of La need to be comforted; they need hope, and that is why we are here,” he said.
The race is further intensified by two independent candidates: former MP and NPP member Vincent Sowah Odotei, popularly called “Obama,” and David Anertey Abbey, alias “Kalusha.”
Major issues for residents in the constituency include access to healthcare following the demolition of the La General Hospital in 2019, unemployment, and poor road infrastructure.
Although signs of reconstruction are visible at the La General Hospital site, progress has been slow, casting doubts on the NPP government’s ability to complete the project before December 7.
Would these issues be deciding factors for voters?
RESIDENTS REACT
Theophilus Martey, a resident said: “Why would I vote for a person who drove the President to demolish La General Hospital? I will not vote for the NPP.”
Another resident stated, “I thought I would die next year because I didn’t have a wheelchair and was suffering, but Joseph got me a new one. I feel excited now, and I will always sing his praises. That’s why I will vote for him.”
James Appiah Antwi a resident also pointed out, “The incumbent MP does nothing, and I am disappointed in her, so I will vote for Joseph Addo.”
Another resident Patience Kai Adjei, also said, “We will vote for the NDC. John Mahama and the incumbent MP have done so well, and that’s why we want them back in power.”
CONCLUSION
With unresolved local issues and diverging candidate promises, La Dadekotopon is set for a fierce contest. The question remains whether voters will prioritize loyalty to historical party dominance, the promises of new leadership, or the tangible support they’ve received on the ground.
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