Recent reports that former independent parliamentary candidate Joseph Kofi Damtse has joined the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have sparked discussion across the Assin South constituency.
Many political observers have welcomed the development, noting that broader cooperation within the opposition space could strengthen the NDC’s chances of eventually capturing the parliamentary seat from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
However, as the conversation continues, it is important that public discussion remains grounded in accurate electoral facts.
In some commentaries surrounding Mr. Damtse’s entry into the NDC, reference has been made to him bringing “15,000 supporters” into the party. While this figure is frequently mentioned, it actually refers to the 2020 parliamentary election, when Mr. Damtse contested as an independent candidate and secured around 15,000 votes.
In that same election, the NDC finished third, behind both the NPP and Mr. Damtse.
The 2024 parliamentary election, however, produced a different outcome.
In the 2024 contest, the NPP candidate polled approximately 14,899 votes, while the NDC parliamentary candidate, Hon. Stephen Kofi Baidoo, secured 13,354 votes, finishing second and significantly narrowing the electoral gap in the constituency.
Mr. Damtse, who again contested as an independent candidate, obtained 10,332 votes, placing third in the race.
These results highlight an important political development in the constituency. Contesting the seat for the first time, Hon. Stephen Kofi Baidoo was able to reposition the NDC as the leading challenger to the NPP and bring the party closer to winning the Assin South parliamentary seat than it has been in several election cycles.
Many local observers also credit the strong grassroots mobilisation led by Baidoo and his campaign team for strengthening the NDC’s presence across the constituency during the 2024 elections.
Notably, the NDC also secured the presidential vote in the constituency, a development widely attributed to the organisational groundwork and voter engagement carried out by the Baidoo campaign structure.
This is not to diminish Mr. Damtse’s political influence. His ability to attract support as an independent candidate demonstrates that he commands a following in parts of the constituency, and his decision to join the NDC should be welcomed as part of efforts to broaden the party’s base.
At the same time, electoral support does not automatically transfer from one candidate to another, as many voters make their decisions based on a range of local and political considerations.
Ultimately, the lesson from the 2024 election is that the NDC is now within striking distance of winning the Assin South parliamentary seat.
Going forward, consolidating the gains already made and strengthening unity within the party will be essential if the NDC hopes to translate this momentum into parliamentary victory in the next electoral cycle.
The writer is a policy and governance analyst who focuses on local governance and electoral politics in Ghana.
By Eric B. Mensah, Policy and Governance Analyst.
