In a significant political shift, the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Member of Parliament for Kwesimintsim Constituency in the Western Region, Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, has lost his seat to Philip Fiifi Buckman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This outcome adds to the NDC’s growing influence in the region, following its victory in Sekondi.
Dr. Armah, who also serves as the Deputy Minister for Works and Housing and is a former Executive Secretary of the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA), secured 13,317 votes. His opponent, Philip Fiifi Buckman, garnered 15,927 votes, clinching the seat for the NDC. An independent parliamentary candidate trailed with 1,835 votes. Out of the total 31,079 valid votes cast, 219 ballots were rejected.
Fiifi Buckman, a private legal practitioner, has a history of contesting the Kwesimintsim seat. Initially running as an independent candidate, he later aligned with the NDC, where his persistence has finally paid off. His victory marks a significant personal and political milestone, as he previously contested unsuccessfully.
Dr. Prince Armah’s political journey has also been noteworthy. He rose to prominence within the NPP after defeating the incumbent MP, Joe Mensah, in the party’s June 2020 parliamentary primaries. In the 2020 general elections, Dr. Armah retained the Kwesimintsim seat for the NPP with 24,759 votes, defeating his closest contender, who garnered 13,385 votes. His tenure included serving as Vice Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education and a member of the House Committee, where he contributed to legislative discussions on educational reform and infrastructure development.
This defeat reflects changing political dynamics in the Kwesimintsim Constituency, which has long been a stronghold of the NPP. The loss of Kwesimintsim to the NDC further signifies the challenges faced by the ruling party in maintaining its dominance in the Western Region. The constituency now joins Sekondi as part of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis where the NDC has made significant inroads, signaling a potential shift in voter preferences in the area.
Fiifi Buckman’s victory is a testament to his resilience and ability to connect with constituents. His legal background and focus on addressing local concerns appear to have resonated with the electorate, who were seeking a fresh perspective and renewed leadership.
For the NPP, the loss of Kwesimintsim will likely prompt a reevaluation of its strategies in the Western Region. As one of the constituencies contributing to the party’s parliamentary majority in previous elections, Kwesimintsim’s shift to the NDC highlights the need for the ruling party to address voter concerns and strengthen its grassroots support.
Philip Fiifi Buckman now has the opportunity to shape the future of the Kwesimintsim Constituency. His victory places him in a position to advocate for the development and implementation of policies that directly impact the lives of his constituents. Issues such as education, housing, infrastructure, and job creation are expected to be high on his agenda as he begins his tenure in Parliament.
This election outcome underscores the dynamic nature of Ghanaian politics, where constituencies long considered strongholds for one party can shift allegiances based on changing voter priorities and the effectiveness of campaign messaging. The NDC’s win in Kwesimintsim is likely to embolden the party as it aims to consolidate its gains in other constituencies across the country.
Dr. Prince Hamid Armah’s tenure as MP for Kwesimintsim will be remembered for his contributions to education and infrastructure development. As Deputy Minister for Works and Housing, he played a role in advancing housing policies and projects that sought to address Ghana’s housing deficit. His loss, however, underscores the challenges faced by incumbents in meeting the evolving expectations of the electorate.
The rejection of 219 ballots in this election also highlights the importance of voter education to reduce invalid votes and ensure that the democratic process accurately reflects the will of the people. Both the NPP and NDC will likely intensify their efforts to engage voters and address this issue in future elections.
As Kwesimintsim transitions to NDC leadership, the constituency’s political future remains a subject of keen interest. Philip Fiifi Buckman’s success is expected to bring a new approach to addressing the needs of the constituency, while the NPP will likely regroup and strategize for a comeback in subsequent elections.
The shift in Kwesimintsim mirrors broader trends in the Western Region, where the NDC’s victories in Sekondi and other constituencies signify a growing challenge to the NPP’s dominance. The region’s status as a political battleground will undoubtedly influence strategies for the 2028 elections, as both parties seek to solidify their foothold.
Fiifi Buckman’s victory not only marks a personal achievement but also signals a turning point for the Kwesimintsim Constituency. His ability to deliver on campaign promises and address pressing local issues will determine his legacy and the constituency’s continued support for the NDC in the future.
For Dr. Prince Hamid Armah, this defeat represents an opportunity to reflect on his political career and contributions. As a prominent figure within the NPP, his experience and expertise will likely remain valuable assets to the party as it seeks to rebuild and reconnect with voters.
In conclusion, the 2024 parliamentary elections have reshaped the political landscape in Kwesimintsim, with Philip Fiifi Buckman’s win signaling a new era of leadership for the constituency. The results highlight the evolving dynamics of voter preferences and the importance of responsive and inclusive representation in Ghana’s democracy.
