The 2025 presidential inauguration in Ghana served as a backdrop for a significant political victory celebrated by two National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah and Theresa Lardy Awuni. Their triumph was particularly noteworthy as it involved defeating a prominent couple vying to become Ghana’s first parliamentary pair, Charles Bissue and his wife, Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei. The Bissues, both members of the opposing party, had aimed to secure parliamentary seats in the 2024 elections, but their aspirations were thwarted by the NDC candidates. The celebratory atmosphere of the inauguration was amplified by the emphatic nature of their victories, sparking a viral moment that encapsulated the political dynamics at play.
Prof. Ayensu-Danquah contested the Essikado-Ketan constituency against Charles Bissue. While Bissue garnered a respectable 17,754 votes, it proved insufficient against Prof. Ayensu-Danquah’s impressive 26,166 votes, a margin significant enough to solidify her victory. Concurrently, Nana Ama Dokua Asiamah-Adjei faced off against incumbent MP Theresa Awuni in the Okaikwei North constituency. Awuni retained her seat with 28,363 votes, comfortably surpassing Asiamah-Adjei’s 20,627 votes. The double defeat of the Bissue couple resonated throughout the political landscape, marking a significant setback for their party and a resounding victory for the NDC.
The inauguration ceremony on January 7, 2024, provided a platform for the victorious NDC MPs to express their jubilation, which was captured in a widely circulated video. In a lighthearted exchange, Prof. Ayensu-Danquah declared, “In Essikado-Ketan, I ‘murdered’ the husband,” using figurative language to emphasize her decisive win. Her words were met with laughter from Theresa Awuni, who chimed in, “And I retired the wife,” further highlighting the comprehensive nature of their electoral success. The playful banter culminated in Prof. Ayensu-Danquah’s concluding remark, “They are both retired from politics,” cementing the narrative of the Bissues’ political downfall. Their celebratory chant of “girl power, girl power!” underscored the significance of their victories as female candidates in a competitive political arena.
The viral video captured a moment of political triumph, but also sparked discussions about the tone and implications of their celebratory remarks. While some interpreted the comments as playful banter within the context of a hard-fought election, others raised concerns about the use of aggressive language, particularly the term “murdered,” even when used figuratively. The incident highlighted the delicate balance between celebrating electoral success and maintaining a respectful political discourse. The use of such language, even in jest, could be perceived as insensitive or disrespectful by some, prompting reflection on the appropriate ways to express political victory.
Beyond the immediate context of the election results, the victories of Prof. Ayensu-Danquah and Theresa Awuni also symbolized broader political trends within Ghana. Their success contributed to the NDC’s overall performance in the parliamentary elections and reinforced the party’s standing in the political landscape. Moreover, the election of two female candidates in competitive constituencies underscored the growing representation of women in Ghanaian politics, a positive development for inclusivity and diversity within the political sphere. Their victories served as an inspiration for other women aspiring to political office and contributed to a more balanced representation of genders in positions of power.
The 2024 parliamentary elections and the subsequent inauguration ceremony marked a significant chapter in Ghanaian politics. The defeat of the Bissue couple by Prof. Ayensu-Danquah and Theresa Awuni resonated beyond individual constituencies, reflecting broader political narratives and trends. The viral video capturing their celebratory remarks, while sparking debate about appropriate political discourse, also highlighted the growing presence of women in Ghanaian politics and the dynamic nature of electoral competition. This event underscored the complexities of political victories, the nuances of public perception, and the evolving landscape of representation in Ghana’s democratic process. The long-term implications of these election results and their symbolic significance will continue to shape the political discourse in the years to come.
