By Prince Ahenkorah
Fresh polls give the NDC a slim advantage in Kpandai ahead of the December 30 parliamentary rerun, intensifying pressure on the NPP’s shrinking minority bench. Their 2024 defeat tied to economic struggles has triggered a string of losses, with this contest a critical test.
Global InfoAnalytics Director Mussa Dankwah notes voter sentiment favors the ruling party, but margins fall within the poll’s error range, leaving the outcome uncertain.
NPP Communications Director Richard Agyeman described the race as “winnable with strong turnout,” adding, “Our message of accountability resonates Kpandai voters won’t forget NDC’s promises.”
Yet party stalwart Dr. Anthony Abaidoo warned internally: “Another loss here erodes our numbers further; we can’t afford slippage after 2024’s setbacks from tough governance years.”
The rerun follows a November 24 High Court decision annulling the original results, declaring the seat vacant, and ordering a fresh poll within 30 days.
Parliament’s Clerk notified the EC on December 8. But EC inefficiencies delayed declarations, disputed tallies have sparked multiple by-elections since 2024, each costing taxpayers an estimated GH¢7-10 million in logistics, security, and staffing, per analysts.
Critics say better management could avoid such drains on national resources.
Former MP Matthew Nyindam contests the ruling: “The 2024 election was free, fair, and transparent.” He plans to run again amid ongoing appeals.
Dankwah links Kpandai trends to broader optimism: 66% of respondents say Ghana is on the right track (26% disagree; 8% undecided). President’s approval stands at 64% (27% disapprove; 9% no opinion).
Economic views tilt positive too: 54% report improved personal finances (34% unchanged; 11% worse; 1% no comment). “These factors typically aid incumbents,” Dankwah observed.
At the constituency level, however, it’s neck-and-neck. “The parliamentary contest is too close to call within the margin of error,” Dankwah emphasized. Voter turnout, strategies, and last-minute shifts will decide it.
For the NPP, stakes are high: Their minority numbers have thinned since 2024, making Kpandai pivotal.