Constituency watch: Okaikwei North in focus

The Okaikwei North Constituency is a heterogeneous mixture of both the middle class as well as the low.

During our visit to Abofu in Achimota, residents shared several challenges they face, including poor road networks, inadequate drainage systems, water shortages, and insufficient public toilets.

The community has only two public toilets, with one having been closed for over a year, leaving residents to rely solely on the remaining facility.

“The toilet facility in Abofu has been closed so people defecate in the drains. The stench is just unbearable. You can’t even breath.” One of the residents described.

“Our roads and toilet are our biggest problems. This simple road can be fixed as well as our gutters.” Another resident explained.

“Our MP in this constituency is Theresa Awuni. She promised she will fix the roads when voted into power, but nothing has been done since she got voted into power,” another resident complained.

The Okaikwei North Constituency boasts a population of 309,768, with females making up 51.9%, slightly higher than the 48.4% male population. Known for its high voter turnout, the constituency had over 79,641 registered voters in the 2020 election.

Traditionally a stronghold for the NPP, the 2020 parliamentary election marked a historic shift as the NDC, represented by Theresa Lardi Awuni, won with 51.07% of the votes, narrowly defeating the NPP’s Fuseini Issah, who secured 47.52%.

Despite the NDC currently holding power, can they sustain their momentum in this year’s election amid the growing concerns and comments from the constituents?

For the residents, they are highly confident in who they are voting for to become a member of parliament for the constituency, and this is unwavering.

“I don’t know why we should vote for an MP who said she has used our common fund to buy khebab for our parents which is false. We will vote for an empathetic and considerate person like Dokua,” one woman narrated.

“The MP in this constituency doesn’t put in much effort at all and that is why we will vote against her and vote for Dokua to fix our roads for us,” one said.

There were others who also held a different opinion on the performance of the incumbent member of parliament.

“We need a lot of things at Okaikwei North. Our MP, Therea Awuni has given out her best for the constituency even though her government isn’t in power,” another said.

Amidst the numerous challenges faced by the populace, they pointed out the non-functional streetlights, which are posing significant security threats to community members.

Our streetlight is one of our problems. Our phones and bags are snatched, and you’re beaten for not having any money on you as woman.

The news team also engaged with the teachers at the Presbyterian Junior High School in the community and they mentioned issues they have regarding their washrooms, and the dilapidated school building.

The residents and teachers affirmed the benevolent gesture done them by the parliamentary candidate Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah Adjei by fixing a part of the schools roofing and taking measurement to contribute to the renovation of the school.

To the residents, they believe Nana Ama Dokua deserves to be voted for, due to the developmental projects she is already doing for the constituency.

The post Constituency watch: Okaikwei North in focus first appeared on 3News.

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