The New Patriotic Party's (NPP) parliamentary primaries on Saturday, January 27, witnessed a series of unexpected defeats for prominent incumbents, signalling a shift in the political landscape.
In a major upset, Minister of Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh, faced defeat in the Tano North constituency. Dr. Gideon Boako, Spokesperson for the Vice President and NPP flagbearer, secured a resounding victory with 444 votes against Prempeh's 221.
Dome-Kwabenya experienced a stunning defeat for Adwoa Safo, the former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection. Mike Ocquaye Jr., son of former Speaker Mike Ocquaye, secured a convincing win with 1194 votes, leaving Safo with only 328.
The Abuakwa North constituency also saw a change of guard, with incumbent Gifty Twum-Ampofo narrowly losing to Nana Ampaw Addo-Frempong. Known as “Buffalo,” Addo-Frempong garnered 222 votes compared to Twum-Ampofo's 202.
In another surprising outcome, Deputy Minister of Health, Tina Gifty Mensah, faced defeat in the Weija Gbawe constituency. Jerry Ahmed Shab secured a commanding win with 786 votes to Mensah's 361.
These unexpected defeats sent shockwaves through the NPP, raising questions about voter sentiment and the future dynamics of the party. Notable figures like Joseph Cudjoe, Minister for Public Enterprises, also experienced defeat in the Effia primary in the Western Region, losing to financial analyst Isaac Nyarko Boamah. Sheila Bartels similarly lost the Ablekuma North poll with 637 votes to Akua Afriyie, who polled 756.
List of Defeated NPP MPs
Below is this list of defeated incumbents. This adds to the previously announced 19 MPs who have chosen not to seek reelection, signalling significant changes in the party's parliamentary representation.
Incumbent MP | Constituency |
---|---|
Joseph Cudjoe | Effia |
Freda Prempeh | Tano North |
Adwoa Sarfo | Dome Kwabenya |
Ama Pomaa Boateng | Juaben |
Sheila Bartels | Ablekuma North |
Moses Anim | Trobu |
John Benam | Zabzugu |
Tina Mensah | Weija/Gbawe |
Eugene Boakye Antwi | Subin |
Akwasi Afrifa Mensah | Amasaman |
Dr Amoako Kissi | Anyaa Sowutuom |
Hanson Nortey | Tema Central |
Bright Wereko Brobbey | Twifo Heman Lower Denkyira |
Elvis Donkor | Abura Asebu Kwamankese |
Erickson Abaka | Shama |
Akwasi Darko Boateng | Bosome Freho |
Kwadwo Asante | Suhum |
Mahama Seini | Daboya |