Rev. Kwaku Addo, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, has opened up about his inspiring political journey in an exclusive interview on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV.
Rev. Addo, who recently made history by unseating the incumbent Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, shared insights into the twists and turns that led him to victory and how he overcame obstacles to secure the seat for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a district that has long been under the control of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
“I feel this is truly God’s timing,” Rev. Addo remarked, reflecting on his unexpected yet historic win. “When I came back to Ghana, I had no idea I would end up in politics.
But after a conversation with a late great friend, Humphrey Mensah, I decided to take a leap of faith and joined the NDC.”
Addo’s journey to political prominence began after reading the NDC’s constitution upon his return from abroad, which piqued his interest in the party’s principles and vision for Ghana.
Rev. Addo recalled how his first introduction to politics came at the invitation of Humphrey Mensah, son of the well-known political figure ET Mensah. “Humphrey was a strong influence.
He encouraged me to join the NDC, believing that I had the leadership qualities to make a difference. At the time, I was hesitant, but his persuasion was enough to get me to attend a meeting in Washington, D.C., and that meeting changed my life,” he said.
However, Addo’s political journey was not without its setbacks. “I stood for the primaries the first time, and though I won the NDC’s support, I was ultimately defeated by Ursula in my first attempt at the parliamentary seat,” he admitted.
“It was tough, but I didn’t let that defeat define me. It pushed me to work harder, to refine my approach, and to be more strategic in my next campaign.”
His persistence paid off. Rev. Addo came back stronger in the subsequent elections and won the Ablekuma West seat, ending Ursula Owusu-Ekuful’s tenure as a legislator, a position she had held since 2012.
His victory is considered a major political upset, given the long-standing dominance of the NPP in the region.
In the 2020 elections, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful had garnered 37,363 votes, while Addo secured 30,733 votes. Fast forward to the December 7 elections, and the numbers shifted dramatically.
Rev. Addo received 31,866 valid votes, while Ursula polled 26,575 votes. The results were a clear indicator that Rev. Addo had successfully gained the trust and support of the electorate.
Reflecting on his win, Addo expressed gratitude to the people of Ablekuma West for allowing him to serve.
“This victory is not just mine; it’s for everyone who believed in me and my vision for the constituency,” he said with sincerity. “I’m here to serve, and I will work tirelessly to bring development to this area.”
He also acknowledged the hard work of his supporters and the NDC’s grassroots campaign strategy that resonated with the voters.
“The NDC’s message of unity and development really connected with the people. I am proud to be part of that vision.”
