The Karaga Constituency in the Northern Region has recently attracted considerable attention from political analysts, particularly following a series of unsettling events related to the upcoming Special Voting on December 2, 2024. Reports indicate that charms associated with juju practices were discovered at a polling station, suggesting an atmosphere of tension and superstitious anxiety in the lead-up to the elections. An aide to Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, who is running for re-election in this constituency, retrieved these charms after receiving a tip-off. This aide unearthed three charms buried in separate locations, allegedly placed there by unknown individuals with motives that have yet to be disclosed. The discovery has raised concerns about the lengths to which political opponents may go to influence the electoral process, although the aide remained optimistic that such tactics would be ineffective.
Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), is seeking to maintain his position as Member of Parliament (MP) for Karaga, a seat he won for the first time in the 2020 elections. His primary competition comes from Alhassan Sualihu Dandaawa of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), who previously held the seat from 2012. This race is particularly significant as Dr. Adam made history during the last elections by becoming the first NPP candidate to win the Karaga parliamentary seat after it was established in 2004. His victory in 2020 was notable not just for the party’s history in the constituency but also for the margin by which he won, outpacing Dandaawa by nearly 9,000 votes, a stunning turnaround in a region historically loyal to the NDC.
The historical voting patterns in Karaga illustrate a pronounced allegiance to the NDC, making Dr. Adam’s ascent particularly remarkable. For instance, in the 2004 elections, Iddrisu Dawuda of the NDC easily defeated his NPP opponent, marking the continuation of a trend favoring the NDC in subsequent elections. The cyclical nature of political allegiance is further demonstrated in the results from 2008, 2012, and 2016, where NDC candidates consistently garnered over half the votes, showcasing a strong base of support. However, the 2020 elections introduced an unexpected shift in this trajectory. With an impressive 59% of the total vote, Dr. Adam’s win represented a dramatic decline in NDC’s dominance in the region.
The political landscape in Karaga, shaped by a history of NDC favoritism, underscores the significance of Dr. Adam’s challenge in securing a second term against a seasoned opponent like Dandaawa. The competition is not just a contest of candidates but also an illustrative battle between two distinct political ideologies and their corresponding loyalties among the constituents. Dandaawa’s previous wins, alongside his established presence in the constituency, imbue him with a political advantage that will be crucial in navigating this electoral showdown.
Political events leading up to the elections, including the recent juju scare, reflect the broader anxieties that often accompany close races, particularly in areas where entrenched loyalties are in play. The retrieval of the charms has not only fueled speculation about unethical practices but has also heightened awareness around the potential for election-related disturbances. This atmosphere of tension may influence voter behavior, as constituents weigh their options amid this backdrop of political maneuvering and supernatural concerns.
In summary, the Karaga constituency represents a microcosm of Ghana’s broader electoral dynamics, with Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam’s historic win in 2020 challenging decades of NDC dominance. As the 2024 elections approach, the presence of superstitious elements, like the recently unearthed charms, adds a layer of complexity to the political atmosphere, amplifying the stakes for both candidates. The race is set against a backdrop of deeply rooted loyalties, intense party rivalries, and the potential for unprecedented changes in voter sentiment, making it a focal point for political observers leading into the election.
