The recently concluded 2024 general elections in Ghana have brought about significant changes in the political landscape, particularly for five prominent female Members of Parliament (MPs) from the New Patriotic Party (NPP). These MPs, who have been metaphorically “pushed to the zoo with the elephant” following their electoral defeats, have served their constituencies with dedication and commitment. Let’s take a closer look at their political journeys and the outcomes of the recent elections.
1. Darkoa Newman – Okaikwei South Constituency
Darkoa Newman, a passionate advocate for the Okaikwei South Constituency in the Greater Accra Region, served as an MP and Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection. Elected in 2021, she held the seat for eight years before being defeated by the NDC’s Ernest Adamako in a closely contested election. Newman garnered 24,263 votes, falling short by 8,428 votes as Adamako secured 32,691 votes.
2. Mavis Hawa Koomson – Awutu Senya East Constituency
Hawa Koomson, a stalwart in the Awutu Senya East Constituency, represented her constituents in Parliament since 2012. Known for her dynamic advocacy, Koomson’s parliamentary journey came to an end when the NDC’s Naa Koryo won the seat. Koomson received 45,638 votes but lost by a margin of 5,198 votes as Naa Koryo emerged victorious with 50,836 votes.
3. Lydia Alhassan – Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency
Lydia Alhassan, who entered Parliament following the tragic death of her husband in 2019, served as the MP for Ayawaso West Wuogon for eight years. However, she faced a resounding defeat in the 2024 elections, losing to the NDC’s John Dumelo. Alhassan garnered 27,377 votes compared to Dumelo’s 40,561 votes, resulting in a difference of 13,184 votes.
4. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful – Ablekuma West Constituency
Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister for Communication and Digitalisation, was a formidable figure in the Ablekuma West Constituency. Despite her eight-year tenure, Owusu-Ekuful suffered a surprising loss in the recent elections. She received 26,575 votes, while her NDC opponent, Rev. Kweku Addo, won with 31,866 votes, a margin of 5,291.
5. Cynthia Mamle Morrison – Agona West Constituency
Cynthia Mamle Morrison’s political journey took a dramatic turn this year. After serving as the NPP MP for Agona West since 2012, she defected from the party following her loss in the primaries in January 2024. Running as an independent candidate, Morrison faced a decisive defeat, securing only 7,160 votes against the NDC’s Ernestina Ofori Dangbey, who amassed 26,080 votes, a margin of 18,920 votes.
The electoral losses of these five female MPs signify a shift in parliamentary representation and the evolving dynamics of Ghanaian politics. Despite their defeats, their contributions to their constituencies through policy advocacy and community development initiatives have left a lasting impact. While they may no longer serve in Parliament, their experiences and leadership as trailblazing women in a male-dominated political arena continue to inspire and shape the discourse on gender equality and governance in Ghana. As the nation embarks on a new political chapter, the achievements and challenges of these women remain an integral part of its evolving story.
