The Hohoe constituency in the Volta Region has witnessed a remarkable political transformation in recent years.
Historically a stronghold of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the constituency experienced a major shift in 2020 when the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) John Peter Amewu won the parliamentary seat.
Amewu’s victory, with 55.26% of the vote against the NDC’s Professor Margaret Kweku, who garnered 44.74%, ended the NDC’s 28-year dominance in the area.
As the 2024 general elections approach, the political climate is intensifying. Amewu, the incumbent MP, has expressed confidence in increasing his vote share to 64%, attributing his optimism to the impact of his development initiatives in the constituency.
In an interview with Channel One News, the NPP’s Constituency Chairman for Hohoe highlighted the numerous development projects and employment opportunities spearheaded by Amewu, asserting that these achievements will translate into stronger voter support for the MP in the upcoming elections.
“We have seen the difference. The development of John Peter Amewu took place in just four years, as compared to NDC’s reign in parliament. It is unprecedented. Talk of infrastructure development and human capacity building; getting jobs for the youth, has never happened. Some are still in their queue waiting to get their benefits.”
Meanwhile, the NDC has expressed its determination to reclaim the seat. Their candidate, Worlanyo Tsekpo, has emphasized public dissatisfaction with the NPP and promised a strong campaign to rally support.
Richard Vordzorgbe, a coconut vendor in the Hohoe Municipality who spoke to Channel One News indicated that, despite NDC’s 24-year leadership in the Hohoe Constituency, little can be seen out of their leadership. He said, John Peter Amewu, must be given the nod again to represent the constituency.
“We have seen a lot of development in Hohoe, from street lights to roads. I have lived here for so long and I have seen what John Peter Amewu has done. Although it is not an easy job, he is doing his best. NDC had the seat for several years but what John Amewu did is much and we want him to go again”
Meanwhile, some youth in the community raised concerns about the poor construction of roads before the 2020 elections which deteriorated a few months after the elections. They say the road will be a major determinant in the upcoming elections. Although they admitted that some developmental works have been done, some say they have lost trust in Peter Amewu.
“With development in Hohoe, I believe a stadium is the best because there are no recreational centres here. The stadium has brought joy to some of us. But we need more, roads, and employment. I don’t care who wins. I just want change to come”, a resident stated
“In 2019, they did the Fodome to Hohoe Road. In less than two months the road deteriorated. We have not seen any further maintenance on the road. So for MPship, Amewu has lost our trust” Paul Kobby, a driver lamented
“They said Amewu has transformed Hohoe into Dubai. We saw a road constructed under Amewu. They tarred the road on Sunday, as on Wednesday, they were patching the tarred road. Is this development? Amewu said he has constructed 170 boreholes which went viral. I challenge him to show me just two.”, another resident fumed.
Some NDC loyalists who spoke to Channel One News also want their candidate, Worlanyo Tsekpo, to be given the nod as they say his developmental works can benefit the constituency.
“We want someone who can represent us fairly in parliament, anytime there are policies and programmes from government, the person will consult us. That is what Worlanyo Tsekpo is promising the people of the Hohoe constituency”
The NPP in Hohoe however says, its candidate must continue the good works he began. They tout him as a developmental agent who needs the votes of the constituents.
” We the youth are saying that we are not going to mortgage our future for anything. We are going to maintain Amewu until further notice. When he decides that he is hanging his boots then we will take a decision”
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