Patrick Yaw Boamah, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) candidate, has emerged victorious in the 2024 parliamentary elections for the Okaikwei Central constituency. This victory comes after a re-collation exercise conducted at the Greater Accra Regional Office of the Electoral Commission (EC), which overturned an earlier declaration that had favored the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Baba Sadiq.
The re-collation process was ordered following disputes over the initial results, which had announced Baba Sadiq as the winner with 78% of the votes declared. However, the final results revealed that Patrick Yaw Boamah secured 21,099 votes, surpassing Baba Sadiq, who garnered 19,368 votes out of the total valid votes cast. The reversal of the earlier declaration has brought closure to what had been a highly competitive and closely monitored race in the constituency.
In his victory speech, Patrick Yaw Boamah expressed profound gratitude to his constituents for their continued trust and support. He acknowledged the collective efforts of the NPP supporters and campaign team, crediting their hard work and dedication for the success of his bid to retain the seat. Boamah also extended an olive branch to his political opponents, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration for the progress of the constituency.
“In elections, to compete is part of democracy. To lose is part of democracy, and to win is also a part of democracy,” he stated. “So, let me congratulate my competitor, the NDC, and also use the opportunity to thank the teeming supporters of the NPP in Okaikwei Central and the national party. We fought a good fight, waged a very good campaign, and God has been so good to us for granting us victory.”
Boamah reaffirmed his commitment to advancing development in Okaikwei Central, pledging to continue advocating for the needs of his constituents in Parliament. He outlined his intention to focus on key areas such as infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation. According to him, the trust reposed in him by the electorate serves as a reminder of the responsibility he carries to ensure that Okaikwei Central remains a thriving and progressive community.
The Okaikwei Central race had been one of the most hotly contested in the Greater Accra Region, with both the NPP and NDC mounting vigorous campaigns. Baba Sadiq, the NDC candidate and a prominent entertainment executive, had been viewed as a formidable challenger, leveraging his popularity and organizational skills to rally significant support. The initial announcement of his victory had been celebrated by the NDC as a key gain in their efforts to reclaim more seats in the region.
However, concerns were raised over irregularities during the collation process, prompting the EC to conduct a thorough review. The re-collation exercise involved cross-referencing figures from the polling stations and verifying the accuracy of the tallied results. Observers commended the EC for its transparency and commitment to ensuring that the electoral process reflected the will of the people.
The reversal of the earlier declaration has sparked mixed reactions among the constituents and political observers. While NPP supporters have celebrated the victory as a testament to their candidate’s enduring appeal and effective leadership, some NDC supporters have expressed disappointment and called for further scrutiny of the re-collation process. Baba Sadiq has yet to comment publicly on the outcome, leaving questions about whether the NDC will pursue any legal action or accept the results as final.
Patrick Yaw Boamah’s victory solidifies his position as a key figure within the NPP and underscores the party’s resilience in retaining seats in critical constituencies. His tenure in Parliament has been marked by efforts to address pressing issues in Okaikwei Central, including youth empowerment, infrastructure development, and social intervention programs. Boamah’s ability to secure another term demonstrates the electorate’s confidence in his vision and leadership.
The election in Okaikwei Central also highlights the broader dynamics at play in Ghana’s political landscape. The Greater Accra Region, often considered a bellwether in national elections, has seen intense competition between the NPP and NDC. The outcome of this particular contest is likely to have implications for future electoral strategies and alignments in the region.
As Boamah prepares to begin another term, he faces high expectations from his constituents, who will be watching closely to see how he delivers on his campaign promises. The challenges of addressing infrastructure deficits, creating economic opportunities, and enhancing public services remain at the forefront of his agenda.
For the NPP, retaining the Okaikwei Central seat is a significant achievement in a highly polarized political environment. It underscores the party’s ability to mobilize grassroots support and maintain its foothold in key constituencies. The victory is also a morale boost for the NPP as it seeks to consolidate its gains and strengthen its position ahead of future elections.
In the coming days, attention will shift to how both Patrick Yaw Boamah and Baba Sadiq navigate the post-election period. For Boamah, the focus will be on fulfilling the mandate given to him by the people of Okaikwei Central, while for Baba Sadiq and the NDC, the emphasis may be on reassessing their strategies and preparing for the next electoral cycle.
The peaceful resolution of the contest in Okaikwei Central serves as a reminder of the importance of democratic principles and the need for stakeholders to prioritize the collective good over partisan interests. As Ghana continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, the experiences and lessons from this election will undoubtedly shape the country’s political trajectory in the years to come.
With Patrick Yaw Boamah’s victory now confirmed, the people of Okaikwei Central look forward to the continuation of development initiatives and a brighter future under his leadership. The constituency remains a vital part of Ghana’s democratic fabric, and its progress will be closely watched as a reflection of the broader aspirations of the nation.
