In one of the most closely contested parliamentary races in the Obuasi East Constituency, Samuel Aboagye of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged victorious over the incumbent Dr. Patrick Boakye Yiadom of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The final results declared Samuel Aboagye the MP-elect with a total of 18,558 votes, narrowly surpassing Dr. Boakye Yiadom’s 18,539 votes—a margin of just 19 votes. Adjei Owusu Afriyie, an independent candidate, garnered 424 votes.
The total number of valid votes counted was 37,521, with 295 rejected ballots, bringing the overall turnout to 37,816 voters. This election marks a significant political shift for the constituency, which has been an NPP stronghold under the leadership of Dr. Boakye Yiadom for the past eight years.
Samuel Aboagye’s win is being attributed to several factors, including his strategic campaigning, promises to address unemployment and underdevelopment, and his alignment with the national narrative of change championed by the NDC. During his campaign, Aboagye frequently criticized the NPP government for what he described as their failure to deliver meaningful development to Obuasi East, resonating with voters’ frustrations .
Dr. Boakye Yiadom, known for his work as a medical doctor and his contributions to healthcare in the constituency, faced criticism for not meeting the broader developmental needs of the area. Meanwhile, Aboagye capitalized on these concerns by pledging transformative projects and advocating for better infrastructure and job creation .
The outcome in Obuasi East mirrors the broader political dynamics of the 2024 elections, with the NDC gaining ground in constituencies traditionally dominated by the NPP. Observers note that this race’s razor-thin margin underscores the importance of voter engagement and turnout, as every vote proved critical.
Samuel Aboagye’s victory is expected to bring a new focus to the constituency, with constituents eager to see if his leadership will deliver on the promises made during his campaign. For now, the people of Obuasi East have signaled their desire for change, setting the stage for an interesting parliamentary term ahead.