Bertha Badu-Agyei/Eugenia Otenwaa
Accra, Nov 14, GNA – The race for the Awutu Senya East parliamentary seat has intensified, as the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), madam Mavis Hawa Koomson, is facing stiff contest from Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor, parliamentary candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Madam Hawa Koomson, the current Member of Parliament on the ticket of the NPP and Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, has maintained the seat for the NPP since 2012 and is seeking re-election for the fourth time to represent the good people of Awutu Senya East.
The contest is described as a replay of the 2020 parliamentary elections where the two keenly contested for the seat with madam Hawa Koomson polling 57,114 votes (52.55%) to narrowly defeat Naa Koryo Okunor who polled 51,561 votes (47.45%).
Madam Koomson, who is one of the 29 females in Ghana’s parliament seeking re-election, polled 31,054 votes in the 2012 elections to usher her into parliament for the first time.
She increased the vote 34,656 votes in 2016 and polled an impressive vote of 57,114 in the 2020 elections to retain the seat for the third consecutive time.
Since 2012, Madam Hawa Koomson has maintained a firm grip on the cconstituency, clinging two subsequent victories in the 2016 and 2020 general elections and she has maintained a visible presence endearing her to the constituents.
In Parliament, she has been vocal on issues affecting her constituency and has participated in key legislative debates, particularly those concerning fishing regulations and local government development.
As Minister for Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, Madam Koomson has overseen several initiatives aimed at strengthening Ghana’s fishing sector, key amongst them are the combating of illegal fishing practices and implementation of policies to support local fisherfolks.
Naa Koryoo Okunor, the NDC’s candidate, on the other hand, has a background in local governance and grassroots mobilization.
She has positioned herself as a strong alternative for the constituents with her change for the better campaign.
Having contested keenly in the 2020 elections, Naa Koryo Okunor seem to have a strong grassroots base engaging extensively with issues on infrastructure development, local jobs creation and improving access to education and healthcare.
The NPP has maintained its strong presence in the constituency winning both presidential and parliamentary elections since 2012, however, political pundits have observed that the impressive performance of Naa Koryo Okunor in her first appearance in the 2020 elections could cause a stir in the 2024 elections.
GNA
