Historic Defeat: NDC Candidate Beats NPP Incumbent in Awutu Senya East
The Member of Parliament for the Awutu Senya East constituency, representing the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mavis Hawa Koomson, has suffered a surprising defeat in the 2024 general election. The parliamentary candidate of the main opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, emerged victorious, marking a significant shift in the constituency’s political landscape.
For the first time since the constituency’s creation in 2012, someone other than Hawa Koomson will occupy the parliamentary seat. Koomson, who has been the longstanding representative, has now been replaced by Naa Koryoo Okunor.
The presidential and parliamentary elections in Awutu Senya East were marred by incidents of violence, including attacks, gunfire, and allegations of ballot stuffing. One person was reportedly shot and injured during the voting process by a suspect identified as Mujaheed Suraj, also known as Mims. The Ghana Police Service has launched a manhunt for the suspect.
Following the election, four individuals were arrested for possession of AK-47 weapons and ammunition. This came after reports of gunfire near Naa Koryoo’s residence, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to another. The injured individual was taken to the hospital for treatment.
After a tense period, the Electoral Officer for the constituency declared NDC’s candidate, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunor, as the MP-elect with 50,886 votes, defeating Hawa Koomson’s 45,638 votes. The announcement was met with jubilant celebrations from NDC supporters.
In her victory speech, Naa Koryoo Okunor promised to seek justice for the deceased individual and vowed to bring about a “new dawn” for Kasoa and the Awutu Senya East constituency.
The Awutu Senya East constituency, situated in the Awutu/Effutu/Senya District of the Central Region, has traditionally been considered a stronghold of the ruling NPP. Despite this, the electoral outcome in 2024 marks a significant shift in the political dynamics of the area.
Mavis Hawa Koomson, who also served as the Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture, had held the parliamentary seat since 2012. In the 2020 elections, Koomson secured a victory with 52.55% of the votes against Naa Koryoo’s 47.45%. However, the tables turned in 2024, as Naa Koryoo emerged victorious in a historic defeat for the NPP incumbent.
