Ghana’s Ruling Party Secures Historic Parliamentary Win in Opposition Stronghold

Ghana’s ruling party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has clinched a landmark parliamentary victory in the traditionally New Patriotic Party (NPP) stronghold of Ablekuma North Constituency in Accra.

Ewurabena Aubynn, the NDC’s candidate, emerged victorious in a closely watched parliamentary rerun held on Friday, July 11, 2025. This marks the first time since 1992 that the NDC has won the seat, ending decades of NPP dominance in the area.

The rerun was conducted in 19 polling stations following months of legal and electoral disputes stemming from the December 7, 2024, general elections. Allegations of irregularities and the submission of unauthenticated pink sheets led the Electoral Commission (EC) to withhold a final declaration, prompting a court-ordered resolution.

In the final tally, Aubynn secured 34,090 votes, narrowly defeating the NPP’s Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, who garnered 33,881 votes.

Disputed Election and Court-Ordered Rerun

Following the December election, both the NPP and NDC claimed victory. The NPP argued that Owusu Afriyie had won by 414 votes, but questions over unendorsed results from 19 polling stations delayed the EC’s final declaration.

A High Court ruling in January 2025 instructed the EC to resume collation. However, continued disputes over missing signatures and procedural anomalies forced the Commission to schedule a rerun.

Initially, the NPP leadership called for a boycott, denouncing the EC’s actions as undermining electoral justice. In a surprise move, however, Owusu Afriyie chose to contest the rerun, backed quietly by grassroots supporters and several senior party members.

A Fierce Campaign and Chaotic Election Day

The rerun campaign was intense, with the NDC launching a region-wide mobilization effort. Aubynn positioned herself as a candidate of change and accountability, drawing strong support from young and independent voters.

Election day saw disruptions, including an incident in which Nana Akua Afriyie and former Fisheries Minister Hawa Koomson were assaulted at a polling station. The Ghana Police Service later interdicted an officer caught on video assaulting a journalist.
Despite these disruptions, voting proceeded in all 19 polling stations and concluded peacefully in most areas.

A Political Upset in Greater Accra

Ablekuma North had been a political fortress for the NPP since its creation. Friday’s result marks a significant shift in voter sentiment and adds to growing concerns within the NPP about internal rifts and voter fatigue in urban constituencies.

Observers suggest the party’s inconsistent stance on the rerun and the violence on election day may have swayed undecided voters in the NDC’s favor.

Implications for 2028

Aubynn’s win not only adds a seat to the NDC’s tally in Parliament but also signals potential gains in Greater Accra ahead of the 2028 general elections. Her victory brings an end to nearly eight months of political uncertainty in the constituency and bolsters the NDC’s momentum in contested urban areas.

Source: Africa Publicity