With election euphoria rising in the various constituencies across the country, one constituency that promises to be of interest is the Krowor constituency in the Greater Accra Region.
The area, which is among the Region’s oldest constituencies, covers the main Nungua community and Addogonno, and has been one of the unpredictable constituencies, swinging between the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Like its neighbouring Ledzokuku constituency, Krowor has also retained just one Member of Parliament (MP), since its creation in 1992.
Despite its swing nature, the constituency has a seemingly balanced support for both the NPP and NDC that reflects the history of its competitive elections.
Political History
Except for the NDC’s Dr Nii Oakley Quaye- Kumah who won the seat in 2008 and retained it for the Party in the 2012 election, no other MP from the Constituency has won the Krowor seat beyond one term.
In 1992, the NDC’s Jacob Aplerh Tawiah was elected as the first MP for the Constituency under the Fourth Republic.
He was, however, replaced with Former Greater Accra, and Northern Regional Minister, Joshua Alabi in the Party’s primaries, who went on to win the 1996 election.
In 2000, the seat then swung to the NPP’s Emmanuel Adjei Boye, who lost it to his fellow party compatriot, Abraham Laryea Odai in 2004.
After holding on to the seat for two terms, the NPP lost the Krowor seat, as it swung again in favour of the NDC.
Dr Quaye-Kumah won it for the third time for the Party in 2008, and like the Ledzokuku constituency’s Nii Adjei Boye Sekan, he retained it in the 2012 election, becoming the only candidate to have won it twice.
However, due to ill health, Dr Quaye-Kumah stepped down as the Constituency’s MP in the 2016 election, paving way for Agnes Naa Momo Lartey (now Dr Lartey), to represent the Party in the 2016 election.
Unfortunately for her, she lost the election to the NPP’s Elizabeth Afoley Quaye, who went on to become the Minister of Fisheries.
In what was described as a shock in the 2020 General Election, incumbent MP, Elizabeth Afoley Quaye lost to the NDC’s Dr Lartey, after beating her competitor in the Party’s primaries by three votes, making the swing constituency revert to its way of not retaining an MP.
History or History?
Abuzz with campaign activities, the outcome of the 2024 election will be a significant indicator of the political mood of the unpredictable swing constituency.
With the political dynamics set for a fascinating showdown, the constituents are left with a decision of repeating history by retaining an NDC candidate for a second time or revert to the history of not retaining a candidate beyond one term.
While the NDC has a longstanding presence in Krowor, advocating social justice, development, and inclusive governance, the NPP has been actively working to establish a stronger foothold with a focus on economic development, infrastructure, and technological advancements.
New Challenge
Having been given the nod to seek re-election on the ticket of the NDC, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey who has been a significant figure in advancing her Party’s policies aimed at improving healthcare, education, and local economies, is facing a new challenge from the NPP’s Emmanuel Laryea, a Civil Engineer with a professional background in public works.
While the NPP aims to explore his expertise to snatch the Krowor seat from the NDC, Incumbent MP, Dr Lartey is leveraging her background in public service to connect with the constituents.
As both the NDC and the NPP present their case for why their candidates should represent the constituency in the ninth Parliament, the ultimate decision lies with the constituents.
Will it be a tale of swings or a history of retention?
GNA
