The National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ghana’s main opposition party, has announced its new parliamentary candidate for the Odododiodio constituency, a key battleground in the upcoming general election.
The NDC held a primary election on October 31, 2023, to select a successor for the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP), Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, who decided not to run for re-election. Three aspirants contested for the party’s ticket, and the winner was Nii Lante Bannerman, a former deputy minister of youth and sports.
Bannerman will face a tough challenge from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), which has vowed to capture the seat from the NDC. The NPP’s candidate is Nii Lante Welbeck, a businessman and philanthropist.
The Odododiodio constituency is one of the most populous and vibrant constituencies in Ghana, located in the heart of the capital, Accra. It has a history of political violence and tension, especially during election periods. The constituency is also known for its social and cultural diversity, as it hosts people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.
The NDC has dominated the constituency since 1992, when Ghana returned to multiparty democracy. Vanderpuye has been the MP for Odododiodio since 2013, winning two consecutive elections with comfortable margins. He was popular among his constituents for his confidence and charisma, as well as his involvement in sports and youth development.
However, he announced earlier this year that he would not seek a third term in parliament, citing personal and family reasons. He also said that he wanted to give way for fresh blood and new ideas in the constituency.
His decision has opened up the race for one of the most coveted seats in the country, which could determine the outcome of the national election. The NPP has expressed its determination to wrestle the seat from the NDC, claiming that the ruling party has performed better than the opposition in terms of delivering development and improving living standards.
The NDC is facing a crucial test in its bid to regain power from the NPP, which won the 2016 election by a landslide. The party has been undergoing a series of reforms and reorganization, as well as holding primaries in various constituencies across the country.
The party’s presidential candidate, former president John Mahama, has promised to deliver a better and more inclusive governance if elected. He has also criticized the current administration for its handling of the economy, corruption, security, and other issues.
The general election is slated for December 7, 2023. Ghana is widely regarded as one of the most stable and democratic countries in Africa, with a record of peaceful and credible elections since 1992. The people of Odododiodio are expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of their country.
Source: [Ghana Web]
