The state of Ghana’s economy remains a key concern that may influence the decision of voters in the Awutu Senya East constituency heading into the December polls.
The constituency has Kasoa as its capital. Bordering the Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro in the East, Awutu Senya West in the North and Gomoa East in the West, Kasoa is considered a vibrant commercial hub in the Eastern part of the Central region.
It has a voter population of over 178,000. The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has held the parliamentary seat firmly since the constituency was carved from the former Awutu Senya constituency in 2012.
Even though there used to be a wide margin between the NPP and NDC, the introduction of a fresh candidate in the 2020 elections led to a closure of the gap as the deficit was reduced from over 11,000 to some 5,000 votes difference.
This year’s parliamentary elections is featuring incumbent NPP MP Mavis Hawa Koomson and the NDC’s Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunnor.
Voters in the constituency ahead of the December 7 polls are showing significant interest in the current state of the economy as well as economic policies outlined by the respective political parties since such decisions affect them directly.
Matters such as sanitation and overall physical development also remain key issues that may affect decision of voters.
Some registered voters who spoke to OnuaOnline while expecting an incident-free elections day stated that their choice of candidates will depend on policies and achievements.
One of them, Tetehvi Yaw said, he “will be looking at the developmental agenda offered by the NPP and NDC because they are the main parties” as well as considering youth policies proposed by both parties.
Though he says he belongs to the NDC, Razak, another resident intends to vote ‘skirt and blouse’. While intends to vote for the NPP incumbent MP, Mavis Hawa Koomson, he says he’ll vote against the party in the presidential elections.
“I am an NDC member but I voted for the NPP in 2016 because of the training allowance but they left my year group out when they came to power in 2017 so this year I’ll vote against them and now the price of food and other commodities are high and there’s no help but they’ve rather brought e-levy instead of increasing salaries. But as for the MP, Hawa Koomson, I’ll vote for her. I don’t support the NPP but she’s been assisting the market women and supporting other people” he said.
