Garu constituency, a place steeped in a vibrant electoral history. This constituency has long been recognized as a bastion of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a reputation firmly established over decades. Since 1996, the NDC has consistently claimed victory, earning the trust and support of the local populace.
The parliamentary elections of 2016 illustrated this trend vividly. Albert Akuka Alalzuuga represented the NDC and secured a remarkable 12,809 votes, translating to 53.59% of the total votes cast. His closest rival, Smari Alhassan from the New Patriotic Party (NPP), put up a strong fight, receiving 10,856 votes, which accounted for 45.42% of the votes. The narrow margin underscored the competitive spirit within the constituency, although the NDC emerged victorious once more.
When it came to the presidential elections that same year, the NDC continued to dominate. John Mahama, the party’s presidential candidate, garnered an impressive 14,484 votes, representing 61.32% of the total votes. In contrast, Nana Akufo-Addo from the NPP received 8,806 votes, amounting to 37.28%. This strong showing for the NDC further solidified Garu’s position as a key stronghold for the party.
The electoral journey of Garu highlights a community aligned with the values and promises of the NDC while navigating the challenges of a competitive political landscape. The results from these elections not only reflect the preferences of the constituents but also paint a picture of a society engaged in a dynamic democratic process.
BEFORE CAMPAIGN BAN BY KUSUAG TRADITIONAL COUNCIL
The Garu constituency is gearing up for a fiercely competitive parliamentary election, with both Madam Georgina Laadi Azumah of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Dr. Thomas Anaba of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) holding strong grounds.
Madam Azumah has cleverly strategized by empowering the women’s wing, earning her significant support from women in the constituency. This approach has been successful, but she faces an uphill battle as Garu has traditionally been an NDC stronghold.
To overcome this challenge, Madam Azumah’s campaign has shifted focus away from Dr. Bawumia, whose influence may have negatively impacted her chances due to issues in the Kusuag area. Instead, her team is leveraging the “woman factor,” emphasizing the historic opportunity to elect a female parliamentary candidate for the first time in Garu’s history.
Madam Azumah has also been actively addressing community needs, providing portable water and electricity in areas where they’re scarce, utilizing her government connections. This tactic has resonated with voters, some of whom perceive Dr. Anaba as complacent due to the NDC’s historical dominance in Garu.
Interestingly, both candidates are new entrants, and some argue it’s time for the NPP to have a chance. The NDC has held the Garu seat for an extended period, but Madam Azumah’s innovative approach and community-focused initiatives are giving her a fighting chance.
AFTER CAMPAIGN BAN WAS LIFTING
The battle for Garu constituency’s parliamentary seat has taken an intriguing turn. Dr. Thomas Anaba is gaining ground, while Madam Laadi Azumah’s campaign is facing challenges. This shift in dynamics follows the Kusuag Traditional Council’s directive to suspend political campaign activities in the area, effective October 28, 2024.
However, despite lifting ban on political campaign activities in the area on November 8, 2024 by the traditional council, the campaign of the NPP Candidate has drastically been affected.
Historically, Garu constituency has been an NDC stronghold, with the party winning consistently since 1996. However, Dr. Anaba’s campaign is now gaining momentum, potentially changing the status quo. The suspension of campaign activities has inadvertently given Dr. Anaba an upper hand, allowing them to campaign freely and win over more supporters.
Even though, some electorates in Garu constituency believes, that with the NDC dominance in the in the Garu constituency, they also frown that, it has made their elected leaders in the area to starve them with development. They mentioned the outgoing Member of Parliament as an example.
Meanwhile, constituents who have engaged with Madam Azumah’s campaign acknowledge her strengths as a candidate but note that the conflict in the area has hindered her progress. As newcomers to the Garu constituency, Dr. Anaba are leveraging this opportunity to make a mark.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
