In a democracy as dynamic as Ghana’s, parliamentary elections are often a test of leadership renewal and political evolution. The 2024 parliamentary elections ushered in a wave of first-time Members of Parliament (MPs) who achieved remarkable victories, cementing their place in the 9th Parliament with commanding electoral margins.

This article, based on an ALPHA report, explores the broader performance of first-time MPs, focusing on their winning margins and highlighting those who secured the most decisive victories across the regions and nationally.

With 120 new MPs, representing nearly 45% of declared constituencies, this election reflects an electorate ready to embrace new leadership. However, these MPs face the dual challenge of meeting the high expectations set by their overwhelming victories and stepping into the shoes of seasoned predecessors.

Regional Highlights: High-Performers Who Captured National Attention

Ashanti Region: A Test of Legacy and Promise
The Ashanti Region, a stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), showcased its dominance with a lineup of high-performing first-time MPs. John Darko of Suame stood out with 76.97%, placing 6th nationally. Replacing the legendary Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, one of Ghana’s longest-serving parliamentarians, many are eager to see if Darko can match the legislative prowess and leadership his predecessor brought to Parliament.

Other standout performers include: • Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah (Manhyia South, 76.23%): Ranked 8th nationally, he steps into a significant void left by Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, a towering figure whose first-term as an opposition MP in 2009 remains memorable.

• Damata Ama Appianimaa Salam (Afigya Kwabre South, 76.05%): With a 9th-place national ranking, her strong showing reflects the NPP’s enduring influence in the region. These MPs have the dual challenge of honouring their predecessors’ legacies while carving out their own paths.
Eastern Region: Kingsley Agyemang’s Record-Breaking Win

Dr. Kingsley Agyemang of Abuakwa South delivered the highest percentage win for the NPP, with 78.37%, placing him 5th nationally. As the first non-Kyebi resident to represent this historic constituency, Agyemang steps into shoes once filled by giants such as Dr. J.B. Danquah (the “Doyen of Ghana Politics”), President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Hon. Atta Akyea. The pressure to succeed is immense, especially in maintaining the constituency’s legacy of impactful parliamentary contributions. No other candidate in the Eastern Region achieved over 70%, with Laurette Korkor Asante of Atiwa West coming closest at 67%.

Volta Region: A Fortress of Landslide Victories
The Volta Region, long regarded as the backbone of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), delivered some of the most decisive victories in the 2024 parliamentary elections, firmly establishing its reputation as the party’s stronghold. All four of the region’s top-performing first-time MPs secured commanding margins, occupying the highest ranks nationally.

Leading the pack was Richard Edem Kpotosu (Ho Central), whose 88.94% victory stands as the highest percentage in the entire election. His landslide win underscores the unwavering trust placed in him by the electorate and sets a high bar for his performance in Parliament.
Following closely was Edem Agbana (Ketu North), who secured 87.01% of the votes, placing 2nd nationally. A rising star within the NDC, Agbana’s victory reflects both his grassroots appeal and the region’s robust support for the party. In 3rd place nationally was Maxwell Lukutor (South Tongu), with 85.67%. Lukutor’s impressive performance showcases the sustained faith of the constituents in the NDC’s development-oriented agenda. Completing the Volta Region’s dominance in the top four was Frank Afriyie (Afadjato South), who achieved 82.65%. This strong showing reinforces the NDC’s continued resonance with the region’s voters, who have consistently demonstrated overwhelming loyalty to the party. These landslide victories set a high standard for their parliamentary performance as they carry the weight of immense expectations from their constituents and the nation.

Oti and Upper West Regions: Emerging Forces
The Oti Region’s Fred Agbenyo Kwesi (Guan, 76.39%) placed 7th nationally. His win comes as no surprise, given the painful exclusion of the SALL (Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi) communities from parliamentary representation in the 8th Parliament. Their overwhelming support reflects their determination to secure a voice in Parliament, and Agbenyo will need to double his efforts to address their unique challenges and compensate for the years of missed representation. In the Upper West Region, Charles Bawaduah (Bongo, 75.96%) ranked 10th overall, affirming the region’s deep trust in the NDC.

The Big Picture: National and Regional Trends
The 2024 elections solidified key trends: 1. Top Performers: Richmond Edem Kpotosu of the NDC delivered the highest percentage win (88.94%) in Ho Central, followed by other high-ranking MPs such as Dr. Kingsley Agyemang (5th), Fred Agbenyo Kwesi (7th), and Charles Bawaduah (10th).

Party Performance: The NDC dominated with 64 first-time MPs, reflecting their continued resonance in regions like Volta and Greater Accra. Meanwhile, the NPP held its ground in strongholds such as Ashanti and Eastern, contributing 44 first-timers. 3. Independent Successes: Candidates like Ohene Kwame Frimpong (Asante Akyem, 70.25%) showcased voter interest in alternative leadership, particularly in regions with longstanding party dominance. As the ALPHA report highlights, this election accentuates a growing shift in voter priorities, with many favouring candidates who offer fresh ideas and solutions tailored to local challenges.

Conclusion:

The 2024 parliamentary elections have brought in a generation of leaders tasked with bridging the gap between landslide victories and meaningful governance. With high-profile victories in key regions and towering expectations, Ghana’s first-time MPs are under the microscope.

Their ability to steer this challenge will not only shape their individual careers but also contribute to the evolving story of Ghana’s democracy—a story where small beginnings often yield transformative results. This Parliament will test whether these new representatives can live up to their electoral mandates, redefine leadership, and ensure that their wins translate into tangible progress for the people who placed their trust in them. To read the full ALPHA report, click here.