The Ayawaso Central Constituency is seeing heightened political activity as the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) intensify their campaigns ahead of the December 7 elections.

This highly contested race features incumbent MP Henry Quartey of the NPP facing his 2020 challenger, Abdul Rauf Tongym Tubazu of the NDC. The outcome could either reaffirm the NPP’s long-standing dominance or signal a shift in favour of the NDC.

Channel One News reporters Christopher Kevin Asima and Bennard Abeiku Okyere have analyzed the dynamics shaping the constituency’s race.

Located in the heart of the Greater Accra Region, Ayawaso Central has a diverse and vibrant population of 94,831 (2021 census), with a high density of 16,759 people per square kilometre.

The constituency includes neighbourhoods such as Alajo, Accra New Town, Kpehe, Pig Farm, Mallam Atta, Kotobabi, Caprice, and Kokomlemle, home to a cosmopolitan mix of Akans, Ewes, and other ethnic groups.

The constituency is divided into five electoral areas: Maamobi West, Kwoatsuru, Maamobi East, Nima West, and Kanda. It is also home to significant institutions and landmarks.

Despite its growth, Ayawaso Central faces persistent challenges, including recurring flooding in areas like Kotobabi, Pig Farm, Mallam Atta, and Alajo, traditionally a stronghold for the NPP. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has attributed this to runoff from Abelemkpe and has urged residents to relocate during the rainy season. With elections looming, constituents are demanding the completion of drainage projects to address the flooding, a concern that could sway voter sentiment.

Historically, Ayawaso Central has been a stronghold for the NPP, consistently securing victories from 1996 to 2016. In the 1996 presidential race, NPP’s John Agyekum Kufuor defeated NDC’s Jerry John Rawlings with over 31,000 votes to Rawlings’ 29,000. This trend continued in 2020, with Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo winning the region with 32,000 votes to John Dramani Mahama’s 29,000.

The parliamentary race has also remained competitive, with the NPP holding the seat from 2004 to 2020, often by narrow margins. Henry Quartey first secured the seat in 2012 and successfully defended it in 2016 and 2020, defeating strong NDC challengers. In the 2024 elections, Quartey will once again face Abdul Rauf Tongym Tubazu, along with independent candidate Charles Kwame Adams of the National Democratic Party (NDP), in what is expected to be a closely watched race.

The NPP is relying on its government’s achievements, such as Free SHS, Planting for Food and Jobs, and One District, One Factory, to appeal to voters. Party leaders believe these policies resonate with voters and will attract both loyal supporters and undecided voters.

Meanwhile, the NDC is optimistic about capitalizing on localized frustrations and the popularity of its presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama. The NDC argues that the incumbent MP has not adequately addressed the constituency’s needs and believes that Mahama’s policies will resonate with voters looking for change.

They argue that the incumbent MP has failed to meet the constituency’s needs and believe Mahama’s policies will attract voters seeking change.

Some residents have expressed intentions to vote “skirt and blouse,” a pattern where they support a presidential candidate from one party and a parliamentary candidate from another. This poses challenges for both the NPP and NDC, as candidate appeal and performance at the constituency level will heavily influence outcomes.

Kwasi Anno, another resident of Kotobabi and lottery operator

“Henry Quartey has been helpful to graduates in the constituency. Others have also testified to his benevolence. But I am no more interested in the affairs of the NPP. Despite that, I think Henry Quartey will win,” Kwasi Anno, another resident of Kotobabi and lottery operator stated.

Grace Asante, a resident of Pig Farm and a trader

Grace Asante, a resident of Pig Farm and a trader said, “The only person we are familiar with is Henry Quartey. We believe he is the candidate to bring about development in the Constituency. He has a good track record.

“This dynamic highlights the increasing importance of direct engagement and candidate visibility, as voters prioritize practical developmental needs and representative accessibility over strict party loyalty.”