In a significant political upset, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunnor, the parliamentary candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has defeated the incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) and Fisheries Minister, Mavis Hawa Koomson, in the highly contested Awutu Senya East constituency.

Naa Koryoo secured 50,886 votes, narrowly surpassing Hawa Koomson, who garnered 46,638 votes.

This victory marks a historic shift in the constituency, which has been represented by Koomson since its creation in 2012. Koomson, a senior member of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), had long been seen as a dominant political figure in the area.

Naa Koryoo’s campaign resonated deeply with the electorate, as she focused on addressing key local concerns and promoting development for the people of Awutu Senya East.

Her message of change and progress struck a chord with voters, leading to her success at the polls.

Her victory was celebrated by a large crowd of jubilant NDC supporters who gathered at the Central East Regional Police Command in Kasoa, eagerly awaiting the final election declaration.

However, the elections in Awutu Senya East were marred by reports of violence, including gunfire and allegations of ballot stuffing.

During the voting process, one person was reportedly shot and injured by a suspect identified as Mujaheed Suraj, also known as Mims. The Ghana Police Service has since launched a manhunt for the suspect.

Despite the tensions and incidents surrounding the election, Naa Koryoo’s victory contributes to a broader trend of gains made by the NDC in the 2024 general elections, solidifying the party’s position in Parliament.

The loss is part of a broader trend of setbacks for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general elections.