The 2024 parliamentary elections in Berekum have reshaped the political landscape as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged victorious in both Berekum East and Berekum West, unseating the New Patriotic Party (NPP) incumbents.
Berekum West: Dickson Kyere-Duah Ends Kwaku Agyenim-Boateng’s 16-Year Reign
In Berekum West, the NDC’s Dickson Kyere-Duah defeated Kwaku Agyenim-Boateng, a four-term NPP MP who had represented the constituency for 16 years since 2008. Mr. Kyere-Duah secured 13,688 votes, while Hon. Agyenim-Boateng managed 8,651 votes, losing by a decisive margin of 5,037 votes.
The results reflect a significant voter swing against the incumbent. Compared to the 2020 elections, Hon. Agyenim-Boateng’s vote count dropped by 2,594 votes, while Mr. Kyere-Duah gained 3,392 votes, turning the NPP’s narrow victory margin of 949 votes in 2020 into a commanding NDC win in 2024.
Berekum East: Simon Ampaabeng Kyeremeh Unseats Nelson Kyeremeh
In Berekum East, the NDC’s Simon Ampaabeng Kyeremeh triumphed over the NPP’s Nelson Kyeremeh, a one-term MP. Mr. Ampaabeng Kyeremeh garnered 23,476 votes, defeating Hon. Kyeremeh, who secured 14,356 votes, by a margin of 9,120 votes.
This marks a dramatic turnaround from 2020, where Hon. Nelson Kyeremeh won with 27,731 votes compared to Simon Ampaabeng Kyeremeh’s 17,305 votes. In 2024, the NDC candidate increased his vote count by 6,171 votes, while the NPP saw a staggering decline of 13,375 votes.
Key Implications
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Voter Sentiment Shifts: The results in both constituencies indicate a strong desire for change, with voters rejecting incumbency in favor of new leadership.
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NDC Momentum: The NDC’s ability to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction and offer compelling alternatives played a critical role in their success.
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Challenges for the NPP: The NPP faces a tough road ahead as it seeks to rebuild its support base in Berekum, addressing both local and national concerns that may have led to these losses.
Conclusion
The victories of Dickson Kyere-Duah and Simon Ampaabeng Kyeremeh signify a new chapter for the Berekum constituencies, where the electorate has opted for change after years of NPP dominance. These results not only underline the dynamic nature of Ghanaian politics but also serve as a wake-up call for the NPP to reassess its strategies and reconnect with voters ahead of future elections.
