As Ghana prepares for the December elections, many constituencies have already decided which candidates they will support. However, in the La Dadekotopon Constituency, voters are caught in a dilemma.
Most constituents are uncertain about whom to vote for due to a significant shift: their preferred candidate has switched allegiance and is now running as an independent. This situation has left many considering the ‘skirt and blouse’ voting strategy.
With just four months to the December 7 general elections, campaign posters in the constituency showcase three main contenders: the current Member of Parliament, Hon. Rita Odoley Sowah of the National Democratic Congress (NDC); Joseph Addo, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate; and Vincent Odotei Sowah, an independent candidate.
Vincent Odotei Sowah previously served as the Member of Parliament for the constituency from 2016 to 2020 under the NPP and was the Deputy Minister for Communications until President Nana Akufo-Addo terminated his appointment on April 6, 2020.
After losing the 2019 NPP parliamentary primaries to Gerald Tetteh Nyanyofio, Vincent Odotei Sowah distanced himself from party activities. Now, he is running for the La Dadekotopon seat as an independent candidate. This has raised questions about whether the NPP can retain the seat, as some of its supporters may shift their allegiance to Odotei Sowah.
It appears that Hon. Rita Odoley Sowah is related to independent candidate Vincent Odotei Sowah, who served as an NPP MP from 2016 until 2020.
Despite some controversies during his tenure, Vincent Odotei Sowah still enjoys support from voters across the two major political parties, creating a potential challenge, particularly for the NPP candidate, Joseph Addo.
Although Addo is popular within his party and among some floating voters, he may struggle to capitalize on Odotei Sowah’s achievements within the constituency.
Known as “Akufo-Addo’s driver,” Joseph Addo has earned praise for creating jobs for local youth and relocating party offices to a new building at Ako-Adjei.
However, voter recognition does not guarantee electoral success; mobilizing grassroots support remains critical.
Meanwhile, incumbent MP, Hon. Rita Odoley Sowah of the NDC faces criticism for her lack of tangible projects in the constituency.
She often blames the NPP government for setbacks like the demolitions at the Trade Fair and the ongoing construction at La General Hospital.
Each of the three candidates demonstrates qualities of effective leadership in their own way, but the decision ultimately lies with the voters. With uncertainties looming, La Dadekotopon constituents remain undecided on whom to entrust with their mandate.
