The Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency, known for its affluence and socio-economic disparities, is shaping up to be one of the most hotly contested constituencies in the 2024 elections. With just weeks to the polls, political parties and candidates are ramping up their campaigns in a bid to secure victory.
The constituency reflects Ghana’s inequality, with affluent areas like East Legon, Airport, and parts of Dzorwulu juxtaposed against low-income neighbourhoods such as Okponglo, Mempeasem, and sections of Westlands. Scattered “kiosk communities” in areas like American House and Okponglo further highlight this divide.
Ayawaso West Wuogon comprises 13 electoral areas, including East Legon, Westlands, North and South Dzorwulu, Airport, and Roman Ridge. Historically, the constituency has been a stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has dominated since 2000.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), on the other hand, has struggled to break this hold, changing its candidate almost every election cycle.
Legon, the largest electoral area, often serves as the key determinant of the election outcome due to its voter density. Both parties are aware of this and have intensified efforts to sway this crucial demographic.
Historical Context
The NPP has maintained dominance by rotating candidates every eight years. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, now Chief of Staff, represented the constituency from 2004 to 2012. Emmanuel Kyerematen Agyarko succeeded her, securing the largest victory margin in the constituency’s history in 2016.
Following Agyarko’s untimely death in 2018, his widow Lydia Seyram Alhassan won the seat in a contentious by-election marked by violence.
In 2020, Alhassan narrowly defeated actor-turned-politician John Setor Dumelo of the NDC, with a margin of just 2,373 votes. Dumelo’s strong showing, however, signalled a shift in the constituency’s electoral landscape.
The 2024 Race
As the 2024 elections approach, both parties are doubling down on their strategies. The NDC’s Dumelo has focused on connecting with the youth and addressing key local issues like flooding, particularly in areas like Westlands.
Meanwhile, the NPP’s Alhassan is banking on her track record, including the construction of a metal bridge and drainage projects, though flooding remains a concern in parts of the constituency.
At the University of Ghana campus, part of the Legon electoral area, students remain split. Some admire Dumelo’s youthful energy and consistent campus presence, while others prefer Alhassan’s perceived “motherly” approach.
In other parts of the constituency, opinions are similarly polarized. While some believe Alhassan’s five-year tenure has delivered meaningful development, others argue it’s time for a change.
For Dumelo, 2024 represents a chance to capitalize on lessons from 2020 and flip the constituency for the NDC. For Alhassan, it’s about consolidating her gains and proving her critics wrong.
As the campaigns heat up, Ayawaso West Wuogon remains a microcosm of Ghana’s broader political contest, with both parties working tirelessly to secure this coveted seat.
#GhanaPolls2024
#CitiVerify
#ElectionBureau
By: Hanson Agyemang and Hawa Iddrisu
