The Shama Constituency in the Western Region is poised to witness a fierce parliamentary contest between the NPP and NDC.
The two leading candidates, Isaac Kwamena Afful of the NPP, a businessman and banker, and Emelia Arthur of the NDC, an experienced politician, both boast impressive track records.
Although the NPP has held the seat for the last two elections, Shama’s historical swing pattern, which has seen a power shift after every two election cycles, suggests a possible flip to the NDC in 2024.
Channel One News explores the dynamics of the contest, voter concerns, and candidate expectations. Shama Constituency has long been a swing seat, alternating between the NPP and NDC in both presidential and parliamentary elections.
In 2000 and 2004, the NPP dominated Shama. However, the tide turned in 2008 and 2012, when the NDC captured both the presidential and parliamentary votes.
The NPP reclaimed the seat in 2016 and retained it in 2020, with Erickson Abekah winning the parliamentary race with 22,774 votes, defeating the NDC’s Gabriel Kwodo Essilfie, who secured 19,674 votes.
For the 2024 elections, the NPP is fielding Isaac Kwamena Afful, a seasoned banker and former CEO of Lower Pra Rural Bank. The NDC, on the other hand, has nominated Emelia Arthur, a former Shama District Chief Executive, Deputy Western Regional Minister, and Presidential Staffer.
With infrastructure challenges such as deteriorating roads and unfulfilled promises of a district hospital dominating discussions, voters are weighing their choices.
Constituents shared their views on the contest.
Michael Sagoe, a Shama constituent said, “I support Emelia Arthur because she was a DCE for just 18 months, but she gave us several projects. Shama was a District without a Police Station, but she was able to give us a Police station. She also gave us District bungalows, as well as extended electricity to 17 communities. So, if she was able to do all this within just 18 months in office, why wouldn’t I support her to do more if she becomes an MP? So, this is why I’m supporting Emelia Arthur.”
Maame Akosua, another Shama constituent said, “The government has deceived us. They came to cut sod for the District Hospital, but they never built it. As I stand here as a woman, it is the woman [Emelia Arthur] that I will vote for. I’m not voting for any man.”
Anastasia Dzolo also said, “I support Emelia Arthur because we saw the work she did when she was a DCE here. She was a woman with a good heart so we the women have decided to vote for her this year. This is because whenever a woman is in charge of Shama, we see more progress than the men, hence we are voting for Emelia Arthur this year.”
Paa Kwesi, said, “It is Isaac Kwamena Afful’s candidature that is why I’m going to vote because even before he becomes an MP, he is already creating employment for people. I was unemployed but not now because of him, hence I’m voting for him.”
Mary Jessy, also stated, “The reason I will be voting for Kwamena Afful is because even before he becomes an MP, he is doing a lot of things for us. So, we want him to become an MP to be able to do more for us in Abuesi.”
The lingering question remains whether Shama will flip to the NDC in line with its swing nature or stay with the NPP for a third consecutive term.
The NDC’s candidate, Emelia Arthur, touted her achievements during her tenure as DCE and Deputy Regional Minister, emphasizing her commitment to development.
Meanwhile, the NPP’s Isaac Kwamena Afful defended his record, highlighting his contributions to social projects in Shama and pledging to secure over 70% of the vote.
To assess the broader performance of both parties in the constituency, Channel One News also spoke to the NPP Constituency Chairman and the NDC Zongo Caucus Coordinator.
Isaac Amo, the GPRTU Secretary, Shama Junction mentioned, “For us in the Shama constituency the government has disappointed us so much. The promises they gave us have not been fulfilled for the past 8 years. As drivers, good roads are what we need for our work but if you take out the short tarred Aboadze Thermal plant to the Inchaban junction road, there are no serious tarred roads they promised us in the District.
“Even the Shama to Shama junction road which is the main road to the District capital, road was not that bad when they came to power but it has become deplorable which is worrying drivers but they are not doing it just as they promised to finish it in three months. They should not deceive themselves that we will vote for them with what they are doing.”
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