Ghana’s 9th Parliament: NDC’s Dominance and Implications for Governance

Starting on Tuesday, January 7, 2024, Ghana’s 9th Parliament is set to experience a significant transformation as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secures a robust majority over the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) reduced representation. With 183 seats, the NDC will have ample opportunity to influence legislative direction, while the NPP will hold 88 seats.

Additionally, the support of four independent candidates, including Worlasi Kpeli (Afram Plains North) and Ohene Kwame Frimpong (Asante Akim North), further strengthens the NDC’s position, granting the party a two-thirds majority. This new majority paves the way for a potentially transformative legislative session, where the NDC can advance key policy initiatives and make significant legislative changes.

As of Sunday, January 5, 2024, the Ablekuma North constituency remains the only electoral result pending. The Electoral Commission (EC) has paused the collation process in this area due to discrepancies concerning 21 of the 62 outstanding pink sheets. A thorough review by the EC will precede the resumption of the collation process. The NDC has raised concerns regarding the use of scanned pink sheets, leading to their withdrawal from the collation process, prompting the EC to suspend proceedings. This decision aligns with a High Court ruling on January 4, 2025, which mandated the EC to complete result collation in four constituencies, including Ablekuma North. While results for three of these constituencies—Tema Central, Okaikwei Central, and Techiman South—have been declared in favor of the NPP, Ablekuma North remains unresolved.

Regional Breakdown

• Ahafo Region: A Strengthening NDC Base
  The Ahafo Region has proven to be a stronghold for the NDC, with the party winning five out of six seats, resulting in just one seat for the NPP. This trend underscores the NDC’s increasing influence in the region.
• Ashanti Region: NPP’s Resilience
  Despite the NDC’s overall majority, the Ashanti Region continues to showcase the NPP’s resilience, where the party has secured 39 seats. The NDC garnered seven seats, alongside one independent candidate making a notable impact. This region remains paramount for the NPP’s support.
• Bono and Bono East Regions: NDC’s Growing Presence
  In the Bono and Bono East Regions, the NDC demonstrated a strong presence, claiming 11 and 10 seats, respectively, while the NPP won only one seat in each region. This reflects a strategic gain for the NDC in these areas.
• Central Region: A Diverse Political Landscape
  The Central Region offers a mixed landscape with the NDC winning 18 seats, the NPP securing four, and one independent candidate emerging. This diversity highlights the competitive nature of Ghanaian politics.

• Eastern Region: NPP’s Strong Performance
  In the Eastern Region, the NPP excelled, winning 24 seats compared to the NDC’s eight seats, with one independent candidate also victorious. This region continues to serve as a crucial battleground.

• Greater Accra Region: NDC’s Influence
  The Greater Accra Region displayed a clear NDC dominance with 28 seats won, while the NPP managed just five. The NDC’s influence in the capital region remains strong, despite one outstanding constituency.

• Northern and North East Regions: NDC’s Gradual Gains
  The NDC made steady gains in the Northern and North East Regions, securing 11 and three seats, respectively. The NPP won six and three seats in these regions, and the presence of independent candidates enhances the dynamic political landscape.

• Volta and Oti Regions: Consistent NDC Support
  The Volta and Oti Regions are steadfast strongholds for the NDC, with the party winning 18 and nine seats, respectively. This support remains crucial for the NDC’s majority.

• Western and Western North Regions: NDC’s Strategic Victories
  NDC’s dominance is apparent in the Western and Western North Regions, securing 15 and eight seats, while the NPP claimed only two and one seat. This performance highlights strategic victories for the NDC.

• Upper East and Upper West Regions: Unwavering NDC Majority
  In the Upper East and Upper West Regions, the NDC holds an unchallenged majority with 15 and 11 seats, respectively, illustrating the party’s reliable support in these areas.
• Savannah Region: NDC’s Notable Lead
  The NDC has established a clear lead in the Savannah Region, winning six seats to the NPP’s one, which emphasizes the NDC’s growing influence.

The 9th Parliament: Forecasting New Dynamics
The previous 8th Parliament was characterized by notable challenges, including the contentious election of the Speaker and the declaration of four seats as vacant. Tensions peaked during the Speaker’s election, prompting military intervention. Ultimately, the NDC’s Alban Bagbin secured the Speaker position, marking a significant shift in parliament’s dynamics.

As the 9th Parliament commences, the changes in representation herald a new chapter in Ghanaian governance. With the NDC’s majority poised to drive legislative initiatives, there is great potential for impactful discussions and developments in the coming term.

Story by – Abigail Arthur