The Adentan Constituency has long been recognized as a place where voters prioritize accountability and tangible development over party loyalty.
Since its creation in 2004, the constituency’s electorate has consistently held its Members of Parliament (MPs) to high standards, expecting significant transformation and results within their four-year term.
This demand for accountability has led to an unusual trend—most MPs in Adentan serve only one term, a pattern that reflects the voters’ high expectations for their representatives.
Adentan’s Early Years: A Competitive Battleground
Carved out of the Ashaiman Constituency in 2004, Adentan’s first general election saw a competitive race between the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and other political parties.
In the 2004 election, the NPP’s candidate, the late Kwadwo Opare-Hammond, was elected over Joseph Kabu Davies of the National Democratic Congress, Patrick Offei Addo of the Convention People’s Party, Abdul-Manaf Yunus of the Democratic People’s Party and David Pessey of the National Reform Party.
These obtained 17,020 votes, 704 votes, 644 votes and 225 votes respectively of the total valid votes cast. These were equivalent to 46.6%, 1.9%, 1.8% and 0.6% of the total valid votes cast.
A Pattern of Change: One-Term MPs
In the 2008 elections, Opare-Hammond sought re-election, but the NDC introduced a fresh face—Kojo Adu Asare. Adu Asare decisively won the seat with 54.29% of the votes, defeating Opare-Hammond’s 44.67%. The result highlighted the constituency’s dissatisfaction with the NPP MP’s performance, marking the beginning of Adentan’s tendency to change MPs after a single term.
Kojo Adu Asare’s victory was also short-lived. He lost the NDC’s internal primary in 2012 to Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore, who went on to win the general election with 52.60% of the votes, defeating the NPP’s Frances Asiam. Although the NDC retained the seat, yet another new MP was elected to represent the constituents, reinforcing the pattern of one-term MPs.
2016: A Narrow Victory for the NPP
By the 2016 elections, both the NPP and NDC presented new candidates once again. The NDC’s Mohammed Abu Ramadan emerged victorious in his party’s primary, defeating the incumbent Emmanuel Nii Ashie Moore and the then-Adentan Municipal Chief Executive, Nubly Kakra Vanlare.
Meanwhile, the NPP chose Yaw Buaben Asamoa, the party’s former Director of Communications, over figures like Rashid Bawa, a former ambassador to Nigeria, and Morgan Newman.
In a tightly contested race, Yaw Buaben Asamoa narrowly won the seat with 33,952 votes (50.64%) over Abu Ramadan’s 32,588 votes (48.61%).
This victory marked a shift in Adentan’s political landscape, but it did not break the constituency’s cycle of electing new MPs each term.
2020: A Landslide Victory for the NDC
In the 2020 elections, Yaw Buaben Asamoa once again faced Mohammed Abu Ramadan, who had won the NDC primary, defeating notable candidates including former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur.
In the general election, Abu Ramadan secured a resounding victory, winning 63,436 votes (55.89%) to Asamoa’s 49,255 votes (43.40%), with a margin of over 14,000 votes.
This significant victory not only reaffirmed the NDC’s dominance in the constituency but also continued Adentan’s tradition of electing a new MP each term. The result reflected the electorate’s dissatisfaction with the NPP’s performance and their desire for change.
Voter Expectations and Political Dynamics
The tendency of Adentan constituents to replace their MPs after a single term likely stems from high expectations for development and progress.
Voters may feel that their representatives have not adequately delivered on campaign promises or addressed pressing local issues. This dynamic pushes MPs to deliver results quickly, knowing that their future in office depends on it.
Internal party politics also play a significant role in the constituency’s voting patterns. Intense primary battles within both the NPP and NDC have often led to new candidates being fielded, giving voters fresh options in each election cycle.
The Impact of Frequent Turnover
While the frequent change in leadership reflects a healthy democratic process, it also presents challenges. Constant turnover can disrupt ongoing projects, delaying long-term development plans.
New MPs often require time to familiarize themselves with the constituency’s needs and may start new initiatives instead of continuing existing ones, leading to inefficiencies and wasted resources.
2024: A New Contest on the Horizon
As the 2024 parliamentary elections approach, Adentan is set for another high-stakes contest. The NPP has introduced first-time candidate Akosua Manu, popularly known as “Kozie,” while the incumbent MP, Mohammed Abu Ramadan, will seek re-election.
With the constituency’s history of replacing MPs after one term, the question remains: Will the voters maintain their pattern of change, or will Mohammed Abu Ramadan break the cycle and secure a second term?
Adentan’s political landscape has been shaped by its voters’ demand for accountability and swift action. As both candidates prepare for the upcoming election, they must address the constituency’s development needs and convince the electorate that they can deliver on their promises.
Whether history repeats itself or a new chapter is written, Adentan’s voters will once again have a say in the December polls.
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