The Odododiodioo constituency seat is located within the Accra Metropolitan Area of the Greater Accra Region. Mainly cosmopolitan constituency, Odododiodio’s diversity makes it a focus for politics.
It has been in existence since 1992 and covers communities in Ga Mashie, Makola, Jamestown, Usher town, Kantamanto, Bukom, Arena, Palladium, Adedenkpo and Timber Market.
The Constituency consists of over 100,000 eligible voters with seven electoral areas. These are Korle Dudor, Amanmomo, Mudor, Ngleshie, Kinka, Korle Wonko and Nmlista Gonnor.
The Odododiodioo constituency has historically been identified as a flashpoint for electoral violence primarily due to the long-standing political rivalries in the constituency. This has often necessitated targeted security measures by the police to avert conflicts.
The 2024 General Election in the Odododiodioo constituency is set to be a critical turning point, as both the NPP and NDC present fresh candidates following the withdrawal of key political figures from the parliamentary race.
Historically, the constituency has been a stronghold for the NDC, with only one significant victory for the NPP in 2000 by former President, John Agyekum Kufour and Reginald Niibi Ayibonte as the Member of Parliament.
Data from Channel One TV Research Unit suggests that the NDC in the year 2004 recaptured the seat with 52.4% of votes as against the NPP’s 46.4% and has since maintained the feat. In 2020, the NDC’s John Mahama secured a 55.38% victory against Nana Akufo-Addo who polled 44.03% of the votes.
The Parliamentary Candidate of the NDC, Nii Lante Vanderpuye secured 53.83% of the total votes cast whereas the NPP’s Nii Lante Bannerman garnered 45.31%, cementing the party’s historical dominance in the constituency.
The upcoming election raises the question: could this be the year that the NPP breaks the NDC’s hold and swings the tide in its favour?
The NPP’s new parliamentary candidate, Abdul Mannaf Sowah, brings a fresh face to the race after Nii Lante Bannerman’s third attempt to secure the seat fell short. With Sowah’s focus on economic empowerment, youth development, and infrastructure backed by key projects embarked on by the NPP government such as the Jamestown Fishing Harbour, the Bukom AstroTurf and the re-construction of the Salaga market, the NPP is banking on a shift in voter sentiment.
These projects, along with promises of job creation, have the potential to appeal to a younger and increasingly urbanized electorate, a key demographic in Odododiodioo.
On the other hand, the NDC’s new candidate, Alfred Kotey Ashie, faces the challenge of maintaining the party’s dominance following the exit of Nii Lante Vanderpuye, a Former Minister for Youth and Sports, who has been instrumental in keeping the NDC strong in the constituency since the year 2012.
Kotey Ashie will need to galvanize support through the NDC’s deep-rooted ties to the community and its focus on addressing critical social issues like education, economic conditions and employment.
The NPP has a few factors working in its favour in this election. First, the infrastructure developments spearheaded by the NPP government in recent years might sway voters looking for tangible progress in the constituency. Additionally, voter fatigue after years of NDC dominance might open up space for the NPP to make significant inroads.
However, the NPP will have to overcome the NDC’s well-established grassroots network and deep emotional connection with residents, many of whom still associate the NDC with the development of their community.
While the NDC’s grip on Odododiodioo has been strong for years, the 2024 election represents a real test of that supremacy.
With both parties presenting new candidates, the constituency may see its most competitive race yet. Voters in Odododiodioo, who are facing challenges related to unemployment, sanitation, education and access to basic services, will likely focus on which candidate can deliver solutions to these pressing issues.
If the NPP can capitalize on the new dynamics and convince voters of their ability to drive change, they might stand a real chance of turning the tide in their favour.
The 2024 elections in Odododiodioo will not only determine the future political trajectory of the constituency but may also signal broader shifts in voter behaviour across urban areas in Ghana.
As a constituency that has traditionally shaped political outcomes in the capital, its future elections will continue to attract national attention.
Nii Ayikwei Okine | Channel One Research Unit
