The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has bolstered its commitment to gender equality with the election of several new female Members of Parliament (MPs) in the recent general elections.
These women, representing diverse constituencies nationwide, are poised to bring innovative ideas and renewed vigour to Ghana’s 9th Parliament.
Among them are Mavis Kukuaa Bissue Boateng – Ahanta West, Faustina Elikplim Akurugu – Dome Kwabenya, Rachel Owusua – Dormaa East, Phillis Naa Koryor Akunor – Awutu Senya East, Jean-Marie Formadi – Biakoye, Emelia Ankomah – Upper Denkyira East, Joana Gyan Cudjoe – Amenfi Central, and Ernestina Ofori Dangbey – Agona West.
Mavis Kukuaa Bissue Boateng – Ahanta West
Mavis Boateng won the seat with 28,227 votes, representing 58.27%, against her main contender, New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Francis Eric Pobee, who polled 19,663 votes, representing 40.59%.
Boateng is the first female parliamentary candidate for the constituency to run under the NDC. Throughout her campaign, she demonstrated a deep commitment to improving the quality of life for her constituents, with key initiatives focusing on healthcare, education, and economic development.
One of her most significant achievements is her investment in clean water access. In August 2024, she unveiled two newly constructed boreholes in the Egyambra community, providing reliable access to clean drinking water for residents. This project reflects her belief that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and is part of her broader vision for social improvement in the region.
In addition to her efforts in improving water access, Mavis is also focused on creating job opportunities, developing modern markets with integrated services, and advocating for better roads and infrastructure.
Her educational vision includes strengthening the local education system, including making the Ahanta language a compulsory subject for students.
Boateng’s leadership is marked by her hands-on approach and determination to uplift her community, with a focus on sustainable development and empowerment.
Faustina Elikplim Akurugu – Dome Kwabenya
Akurugu secured 51,634 votes against her key contender, New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Michael Aaron Oquaye, who got 50,477 votes.
As the first NDC candidate to contest this seat twice, she believes her consistency and the positive feedback from her engagement with constituents will work in her favour. Akurugu’s campaign emphasised themes of unity, justice, and collective effort, and she has promised to focus on job creation, infrastructure development, and safety improvements if elected.
She has also committed to improving governance in the constituency by establishing a local MP office, holding regular town hall meetings, and tackling pressing community challenges like security and social welfare. Akurugu envisions a transformative approach for Dome-Kwabenya, describing her candidacy as a collective mission rather than an individual pursuit.
Rachel Owusua – Dormaa East
Owusua got 12,310 votes against her main contender, NPP’s Paul Apreku Twum-Marimah, who garnered 12,050 votes.
She is focused on addressing youth unemployment in the constituency and has proposed initiatives like a free Apprenticeship Programme, which includes monthly stipends for apprentices and compensation for their mentors. This programme aims to develop artisanal skills and alleviate financial challenges in the area.
Dormaa East has historically been a stronghold for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), with significant margins favouring their candidates. Despite these challenges, Rachel Owusua has gained her party’s confidence to contest again in the 2024 elections, emphasising the need for practical solutions to local issues as a key aspect of her campaign.
Phillis Naa Koryor Okunor – Awutu Senya East
Okunor polled 50,886 votes, while her main contender, the incumbent Member of Parliament for the constituency, NPP’s Mavis Hawa Koomson, got 45,638 votes.
Okunor’s political career and public service are characterised by community engagement, including organising health initiatives such as eye screening programmes for underprivileged communities and supporting local schools.
Her leadership style is often described as selfless, prioritising sustainable community development and the well-being of her constituents. However, her political activities have also been marked by controversy.
In June 2024, she was arrested following an incident involving the discovery of a firearm in her vehicle and violent clashes between NDC and NPP supporters at the Electoral Commission’s office in her constituency. While she was granted bail, the case highlighted the tense nature of political competition in the region.
Jean-Marie Formadi – Biakoye
Formadi got 17,760 votes, while her key contender, NPP’s Frank Yirenkyi, had 9,696 votes.
She previously contested the seat in the 2015 and 2019 NDC primaries but secured victory in the 2023 primaries, making her the first female candidate to represent the constituency under the NDC.
Formadi has been vocal about addressing the developmental challenges in Biakoye, with plans to focus on skills training, education, and eradicating child trafficking in island communities within the constituency. She also aims to support farmers and fishers by providing equipment and infrastructure development, addressing what she perceives as neglect by the current MP.
Her campaign emphasised inclusivity and accountability, including proposals for town hall meetings to engage constituents actively in governance.
Emelia Ankomah – Upper Denkyira East
Ankomah polled 24,426 votes against NPP’s Festus Awuah Kwofie, who secured 18,895 votes.
Ankomah had expressed a deep commitment to the development of her community, particularly focusing on addressing issues like infrastructure and job creation. A key part of her political platform was the need for a sustainable approach to electoral politics, particularly discouraging vote-buying and emphasising the importance of electing candidates based on their developmental track record, not short-term inducements.
Ankomah has made a significant impact through her educational background, having graduated with first-class honours in Bachelor of Law (LLB) from Wisconsin International University College. This academic achievement underscores her professional qualifications as she seeks to address legal and societal challenges within her constituency.
She has voiced her commitment to reducing the longstanding practices that hinder genuine development in her area, positioning herself as a candidate who can bring positive change based on a strong foundation of education and community engagement.
Her advocacy focuses on creating opportunities for the youth and enhancing infrastructure, which are pivotal to her vision of the constituency’s future.
Ankomah’s electoral campaign in the 2024 general election was grounded in the belief that constituents deserve candidates who prioritise long-term, sustainable growth over mere political promises.
Joana Gyan Cudjoe – Amenfi Central
Cudjoe had 26,345 votes against her key contender, NPP’s Albert Wiredu Arkoh, who had 12,096 votes. Cudjoe gained national attention when she overcame a legal challenge regarding her candidacy.
After winning the May 2023 NDC primaries by a wide margin, an injunction was placed on her candidacy due to disputes over the legitimacy of the primaries.
However, after a second election in September 2024, she emerged victorious once again, with the Electoral Commission overseeing the process.
Despite initial legal setbacks, the Sekondi High Court lifted the injunction in November 2024, allowing her to contest the upcoming general elections.
Her candidacy is significant as she is seen as a strong contender in Amenfi Central, and she has expressed gratitude toward her supporters and legal team for their role in resolving the legal issues surrounding her candidacy.
Ernestina Ofori Dangbey – Agona West
Dangbey had 26,080 votes against NPP’s Christopher Arthur, who had 20,693 votes. Incumbent MP, Cynthia Mamle Morrison, trailed behind with 7,160 votes.
Dangbey has garnered attention for her active engagement in community development projects. For instance, she recently facilitated the construction of bus stop sheds for three communities in Agona West, aimed at providing shelter for residents waiting for transportation.
She is an advocate for the improvement of road infrastructure, healthcare, and education in the constituency. Ernestina has criticised the incumbent MP, Cynthia Mamle Morrison, accusing her of neglecting basic amenities and essential development in the area.
Her efforts in the constituency emphasise grassroots outreach, and she has expressed confidence in unseating the current MP, citing the NDC’s previous track record in the region during the tenure of former President John Dramani Mahama.
Her campaign platform includes creating awareness about the pressing developmental needs of the constituency.
LeadAfrique International
All the MPs-elect mentioned above were groomed by LeadAfrique International, a pan-African organization specializing in leadership and organizational development.
With over a decade of driving social change, LeadAfrique International empowers and inspires individuals and businesses to reach their fullest potential. Using the Africa Leadership Toolkit (ALT), LeadAfrique aims to cultivate a generation of leaders for Africa who are values-driven, confident, solutions-oriented, disciplined, and committed to addressing the needs of individuals, families, communities, and nations.
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