John Dumelo vs. Lydia Alhassan: This is how East Legon residents are likely to vote
The die is cast, the battle line has been drawn, and candidates are firing with all guns blazing in hot constituencies as the December 7 elections approach.
Ayawaso West Wuogon is one of the key battlegrounds that made headlines for all the wrong reasons during the special voting exercise for security and other officials assigned duties on the main election day.
The incumbent MP Lydia Seyram Alhassan of the NPP faces a fierce challenge from actor-turned-politician John Dumelo of the NDC.
Historically, as an NPP stronghold, the constituency has seen increasing competition.
In 2020, Mrs. Alhassan retained her seat with a slim margin of 2,373 votes, a sharp decline from the 10,057 vote lead in 2016.
The NPP is determined to widen this margin again, but Dumelo’s rising popularity and star power make the race unpredictable.
Mrs. Alhassan, who succeeded her late husband Emmanuel Boakye Agyarko in 2019, brings continuity and experience, while Dumelo hopes to leverage his public appeal and growing support to turn the seat red.
With 92,852 registered voters and an intense social media campaign on both sides, Ayawaso West Wuogon is set to deliver one of the most thrilling contests in the upcoming elections, embodying the broader stakes for Ghana’s political future.
Both candidates have strong local followings, with Alhassan emphasising her ongoing projects and Dumelo advocating for change and increased development.
The constituency’s voters are divided, with key issues like infrastructure, sanitation, and economic relief at the forefront of the debate.
Results are awaited with significant interest.
Tensions flared at the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency during the special voting exercise on December 2, as incumbent MP Lydia Alhassan came under fire for distributing food packs to voters at the Legon Police Station.
The act drew sharp criticism from her opponent, John Dumelo, who condemned it as illegal and a clear violation of the Electoral Commission’s rules.
Dumelo expressed strong disapproval, highlighting the importance of adhering to election regulations.
This incident serves as a preview of the tensions and high stakes anticipated in the upcoming December 7 polls.
In light of this, The Ghana Report visited the constituency to gauge voter sentiment and uncover who might emerge victorious in this closely contested race.
Sarah Mensah, a shop owner, declared her support for John Dumelo, stating, “My vote is for Dumelo because I believe he has the strength and vision to drive development in our area.”
Maxwell Karu, 34, a vulcanizer, expressed his preference for Dumelo.
“I’ll confidently vote for John Dumelo because we need a change in the constituency. However, I think Maa Lydia will win again by a small margin. People here like to vote ‘skirt and blouse0’, which doesn’t help the area’s development.”
Emmanuel Gyamfi, an Uber driver, shared similar sentiments.
“Eighty per cent of this area is developed, but the remaining 20% needs attention. Take Bawaleshie, for example—development there has stalled. MPs must address these gaps, and that’s why I support John Dumelo to bring change.”
Sharon Binneh, a pharmacist, criticized the poor sanitation in East Legon.
“The stench here is unbearable, and the drainage system is terrible. Maa Lydia, as sanitation minister, should have led efforts to fix this, but nothing has been done. I’ll vote for Dumelo to see what he can achieve.”
However, Charles Bonney commended Lydia Alhassan’s performance.
“She’s done better than her late husband, renovating roads and handling various projects. Ayawaso West Wuogon is vast, and her efforts warrant another term.”
Mark Cann, a business owner, argued for new leadership.
“Dumelo has already shown his commitment by helping flood victims as a candidate. Imagine what he could achieve as an MP. Lydia has done her part, but it’s time for fresh ideas.”
Cann also pointed out ongoing issues with infrastructure.
“East Legon sounds prestigious, but the drainage in Adjiringano is disastrous. Despite paying high taxes, we see no improvements.”
Beatrice Ayeh, 49, called for Lydia Alhassan to be retained as MP to strengthen women’s representation in Parliament.
“Women currently hold a disproportionately low number of seats in the House, limiting diverse perspectives and the advancement of gender-sensitive policies. Hon. Lydia Alhassan has proven her capability and commitment to her constituency, serving as a strong voice for community development and empowerment.
“Retaining her ensures continuity in leadership and adds to the much-needed push for gender balance in national decision-making.
“Let us support her to inspire more women to step into leadership roles and drive equitable progress for all,” Ayeh stressed.
Felix Korku, a delivery business owner, raised concerns about skyrocketing renting costs.
“We pay $200 monthly in rent, and the dollar-to-cedi rate is crippling us. We’ve asked the assembly to intervene, but nothing has changed. The MP and government have failed to address this.”
Abdul Rashid, a property developer, emphasized the importance of retaining Lydia Alhassan as the Member of Parliament to ensure continuity in the constituency’s progress.
“Maa Lydia has made significant strides in improving our roads, initiating women empowerment programs, and enhancing healthcare facilities in the area. Her work speaks for itself, and I believe giving her another four years will allow her to build on these achievements and deliver even more for Ayawaso West Wuogon,” he said.
While Lydia Alhassan has achievements like road rehabilitation, a 20-bed hospital, and women’s empowerment programmes, many residents believe it’s time for John Dumelo to take over and push the constituency forward.
The December 7 election promises to be a closely contested race.
The interests of Ghanaian voters are primarily aligned with the establishment of structured systems that enhance their quality of life, even amidst global crises. The mandate given by the people in selecting leaders is influenced by a myriad of factors. Both parliamentarians and the president have critical roles to fulfill in advancing national development.
The people of East Legon, one of Ghana’s most affluent constituencies, bear a significant responsibility in shaping the future of their community. As shop owners, businesspeople, students, and residents, it is crucial to consider the broader implications of leadership choices ahead of the December 7th elections. Decisions should not be swayed by temporary incentives, such as a bag of rice, but rather by a vision for sustainable progress.
Ghana has faced economic challenges since the era of President Nkrumah. The question remains: are there systems and structures proposed by political parties that genuinely aim to improve the lives of all Ghanaians? Let us approach this election with wisdom and foresight, prioritizing long-term benefits over short-term gains.