The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has captured the Ablekuma North parliamentary seat in a closely contested rerun, marking a historic breakthrough in a constituency long dominated by the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Ewurabena Aubynn secured victory with 34,090 votes, narrowly defeating the NPP’s Nana Akua Owusu Afriyie, who garnered 33,881 votes.
This is the first time since the beginning of the Fourth Republic in 1992 that the NDC has won the seat.
The rerun concluded months of legal and electoral uncertainty following the December 2024 general elections, which were disrupted by irregularities, including unendorsed pink sheets from 19 polling stations.
Although the NPP initially declared a boycott of the rerun, its candidate, Akua Afriyie, returned to the race with support from grassroots members and some senior party officials.
The campaign period was tense, with both parties deploying high-profile national and regional surrogates. Aubynn ran on a platform of change and accountability, gaining traction among young voters and undecided constituents.
Election day was marred by low turnout and isolated incidents of violence. Attacks were reported on Akua Afriyie, former Fisheries Minister Hawa Koomson, and NPP Deputy National Organiser Chris Lloyd Asamoah.
Three journalists were also assaulted without provocation. The Ghana Police Service later interdicted an officer caught on video assaulting a journalist.
Despite the disruptions, the Electoral Commission successfully conducted voting in all 19 affected polling stations, with results announced by evening.
In her victory speech, Aubynn expressed gratitude for the support and pledged to justify the trust placed in her by working to advance the constituency’s development.
When asked about the election-related violence, she said she had not been formally briefed but trusted that the police would investigate and take appropriate action.
