Historic First Moments in Ghana's Political Landscape

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey 

In an unprecedented turn of events, Ghana’s political landscape has witnessed a series of historic firsts following the country's recent general elections. 

From record-setting political comebacks to groundbreaking gender milestones, these events mark a new chapter in the nation's democratic journey.

For the first time in Ghana's political history, a former president has been re-elected to lead the country. 

John Dramani Mahama, who previously served as president from 2012 to 2017, has made a remarkable comeback. 

His victory symbolizes a rare political rebound, earning him a place in the annals of Ghanaian and African history. 

Mahama's return has been met with mixed reactions, with supporters hailing it as a testament to perseverance, while critics ponder its implications for Ghana's democratic trajectory.

In another historic first, Ghana has elected its first-ever female vice president, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. 

A trailblazer in her own right, she holds a legacy of academic excellence, having been a First Class student and the first female vice-chancellor of a Ghanaian university, the University of Cape Coast. 

Her rise to the vice presidency has been celebrated as a monumental victory for women's empowerment in politics, inspiring a generation of young women to aim for leadership roles. 

Her achievement is being hailed as a step toward gender inclusivity and equity in Ghanaian politics.

The 2024 election also set a precedent in terms of political maturity. 

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's fastest concession of defeat captured the nation's attention. 

His swift and gracious acceptance of defeat  drew widespread commendation from political analysts, citizens, and civil society organizations. 

Many noted that his actions demonstrated political maturity, deepened democratic values, and provided a model for peaceful transitions of power. 

Discussions on the importance of this gesture have dominated media platforms, with some suggesting it should become a standard practice in future elections.

Another landmark achievement occurred in the Ledzokuku constituency, where, for the first time, the sitting Member of Parliament, Benjamin Narteh Ayiku, retained his seat. 

This outcome defied past trends where the constituency had always seen a change in its parliamentary representative after every election. 

The retention of Ayiku signals growing confidence in continuity, and his supporters view it as a reward for his effective representation and developmental projects in the constituency.

The 2024 elections also saw the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) achieving an unlikely victory by capturing seats in traditional New Patriotic Party (NPP) strongholds. 

Key constituencies such as Tafo-Pankrono, Adentan, Kwadaso, and Afigya Kwabre North all of which have historically voted for the NPP fell to the NDC. 

Analysts believe this shift reflects changing voter dynamics and dissatisfaction with the ruling party’s performance. 

These wins have ignited debates on the NDC's growing influence and the NPP's declining dominance in certain regions.

The Dome-Kwabenya constituency, known as the largest and most populous constituency in Ghana, experienced a political shocker when it fell to the NDC for the first time since the inception of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. 

This seat, previously considered an NPP stronghold, was lost following a highly contested race. 

Many attribute the loss to internal divisions within the NPP, as well as strategic campaigning by the NDC. 

Dome-Kwabenya's shift is seen as one of the most dramatic moments of the 2024 elections, with political pundits viewing it as a harbinger of larger shifts in Ghana’s electoral map.

For the first time, Ghana witnessed a high number of incumbent female ministers losing their parliamentary seats. 

Notable figures such as Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West) Minister for Communications, Sarah Adwoa Safo (Member of Parliament for Dome-Kwabenya), Lydia Seyram Alhassan (Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon), Mavis Hawa Koomson (Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya East) Minister of Special Development Initiatives, Sheila Bartels (Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North), Ama Pomaa Boateng (Member of Parliament for Juaben), Tina Gifty Naa Ayeley Mensah (Member of Parliament for Weija-Gbawe) Deputy Minister of Health, and Freda Akosua Prempeh (Member of Parliament for Tano North) Deputy Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection were among the casualties. 

This significant shift raises questions about gender parity in Ghanaian politics. 

While some new female MPs have been elected, the number of female casualties remains a cause for concern. 

Political analysts have linked the defeats to voter fatigue, poor constituency engagement, and growing demand for change. 

Gender advocates have since called for greater support systems for female politicians to prevent such mass losses in future elections.

Political analysts believe these events will serve as a blueprint for other African democracies navigating electoral transitions.

Hoping this will be the dawn of a new era for Ghana's democracy.