In a landmark political moment, Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, has shattered a decades-long stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) by winning the Dome Kwabenya Constituency seat in the 2024 elections.
This unprecedented victory was officially declared late Sunday night after an intense and closely contested electoral battle. Akurugu emerged victorious with 51,634 votes, narrowly defeating NPP’s candidate, Mike Oquaye Jr., who secured 50,477 votes.
This win signifies a major turning point as it marks the first time the NDC has claimed the Dome Kwabenya seat, a constituency that has long been regarded as a political fortress for the NPP.
Dome Kwabenya, located in the Greater Accra Region, has consistently been an NPP stronghold since its creation. Historically, the constituency has voted overwhelmingly for the ruling party, with prominent figures like the former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Mike Oquaye, holding the seat in previous years.
Akurugu’s victory is not just a win for the NDC but a monumental shift in the political dynamics of the region. Analysts attribute this success to her grassroots campaign, which focused on addressing local issues such as infrastructure, youth unemployment, and education, resonating with a constituency yearning for change.
The loss of Dome Kwabenya is part of a broader trend of setbacks for the NPP in the 2024 elections. Alongside Dome Kwabenya, the ruling party also lost key constituencies like Adansi Asokwa, Sekondi, and others to the NDC, signaling a potential shift in voter sentiments nationwide.
Political observers suggest that these losses could be attributed to dissatisfaction with the NPP’s governance, particularly economic challenges faced by Ghanaians in recent years.
In her victory speech, Faustina Elikplim Akurugu expressed gratitude to her supporters and pledged to deliver on her campaign promises.
“This victory is not just mine but belongs to every resident of Dome Kwabenya who dared to dream of a brighter future. I am committed to serving you and bringing the change we all deserve,” she stated.
Akurugu has outlined plans to prioritize youth employment, improve local infrastructure, and strengthen education initiatives, key issues that defined her campaign.
The results from Dome Kwabenya highlight the NDC’s growing influence in areas previously dominated by the NPP. With strategic campaigns and a focus on grassroots engagement, the NDC appears to have tapped into a desire for change, particularly among younger voters and marginalized communities.
As the dust settles on the 2024 elections, the political landscape in Ghana is set for significant realignment. The NDC’s historic win in Dome Kwabenya could serve as a springboard for further successes in the Greater Accra Region and beyond.
