In a historic turn of events, the Electoral Commission (EC) has officially declared Faustina Elikplim Akurugu, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate, as the winner of the 2024 parliamentary elections in the Dome Kwabenya constituency. This victory marks the first time the NDC has secured this traditionally New Patriotic Party (NPP)-held seat, making it a significant milestone in Ghana’s political landscape.

Dome Kwabenya, a constituency previously dominated by the NPP, became a focal point of contention during the 2024 elections. The constituency was among nine disputed electoral areas that ended up in court due to disagreements between the two leading political parties, the NDC and NPP. Initially, the EC had declared Madam Akurugu the winner of the parliamentary contest. However, the declaration was rescinded after concerns were raised regarding the exclusion of results from three polling stations.

This omission sparked intense debate and legal battles, prolonging the final determination of the winner. For three weeks, the matter was the subject of scrutiny both in the courtrooms and in public discourse. The back-and-forth litigation culminated in a final declaration by the EC on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, affirming Madam Akurugu as the legitimate winner of the Dome Kwabenya parliamentary race.

Madam Akurugu secured 50,967 votes, narrowly edging out her closest contender, Mike Oquaye Jnr., the NPP candidate, who garnered 50,669 votes. The slim margin of victory underscores the highly competitive nature of the race. The seat, previously held by political heavyweights such as Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, who served as the Speaker of the 7th Parliament, and Sarah Adwoa Safo, a three-term MP and private legal practitioner, now passes to the NDC for the first time.

This victory not only breaks the NPP’s dominance in Dome Kwabenya but also serves as a significant boost for the NDC, which has been seeking to expand its influence in key constituencies. Madam Akurugu’s triumph is being celebrated as a watershed moment for the NDC, symbolizing the potential for a more balanced political representation in constituencies previously considered strongholds of their opponents.

The legal tussles over the Dome Kwabenya seat were part of a broader controversy involving nine disputed parliamentary seats nationwide. Following a directive by the High Court, a re-collation of votes was ordered in these constituencies to address the concerns raised by both parties. While the NPP managed to secure seven of the nine disputed seats after the re-collation, the NDC successfully retained one and emerged victorious in Dome Kwabenya.

In a dramatic twist, the Supreme Court later quashed the High Court’s directive for re-collation, effectively putting an end to further disputes in the affected constituencies. The Supreme Court’s decision reaffirmed the EC’s authority as the final arbiter in electoral matters, bringing closure to weeks of tension and uncertainty.

Political analysts have described the NDC’s victory in Dome Kwabenya as a game-changer that could influence future elections in the constituency and beyond. The outcome reflects the dynamic nature of Ghanaian politics, where voter preferences continue to evolve. As the dust settles, Madam Akurugu’s focus is expected to shift toward delivering on her campaign promises and representing the interests of the people of Dome Kwabenya in Parliament.

This landmark victory has not only reshaped the political landscape of Dome Kwabenya but has also added a new chapter to the NDC’s history, inspiring the party’s supporters to aim higher in subsequent elections.