Tribal politics does not win votes – A case of the Kumawu by-election

On May 22, 2023, a by-election for the Kumawu seat was conducted. With more than 70% of the vote cast, the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) kept the seat. Due to the passing of the current Member of Parliament (MP), Honorable Philip Atta Basoa, who had previously served three terms in a row, this election became necessary.

Despite the fact that the National People's Party (NPP) has traditionally had sway in this district, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was able to win the majority of votes from polling places in Muslim-dominated neighborhoods. However, the Vice President spent a lot of time campaigning in these regions in an effort to win support from these Muslim groups. Given this, it would have been reasonable to assume that his regular visits to campaign in *such areas have made a difference in the the *number of votes.


In spite of the tribal tactics used by the veep to secure votes in the Zongo communities, the NDC still maintained their dominance over and all the polling stations.






This amply indicates that, the use of tribal and religious sentiments to win votes does not necessarily yield the expected results. It is rather competence and good leadership qualities that count.


Samples of results from some of such polling stations are as follows:
NPP: 60
NDC: 253
IND: 23
IND : 1


REJECTED: 3


The love for party especially from among loyal party supporters is paramount.
Staunch party supporters do not care about individual personalities contesting in elections.


The fact that one belongs to one religion or the other, does not automatically guarantee votes from believers of a particular religion. That is why regardless of the Islamic background of the veep, the NPP still lost votes massively in Zongos of the Kumawu constituency.


The NPP need to draw useful lessons, going into the presidential primaries contest. Aspirants campaigning on religious and tribal sentiments instead of competence, should be discarded by delegates.




Even if one wants to bring in the issue of Islamic element as an ingredient in our body politic, there are some of the aspirants who are not Muslims but their long standing relations and cooperation with Muslims over the years, make them more attractive in the Zongos better. A typical example is Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong. Although he is not a Muslim, but his close association and generosity to the Islamic communities, make him a “darling boy” in almost all the Zongo communities across the country. He has a very cordial relationship with the National Chief Imam and other key Islamic figures in the country.


The likes of these aspirants, coupled with their experience in job creation, are the ones Ghanaians from all walks of life, are yearning for to lead the country.


Let’s guard against tribal bigotry within the party and rather focus on competence, knowledge and experience to deliver.