Hon. Seth Kentel Agbobli, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate for the Agortime Ziope Constituency, is expressing strong confidence in his potential victory in the upcoming December 7 elections. Agbobli believes that he has emerged as a significant challenger to the incumbent National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, suggesting that the incumbent is visibly unsettled by the changing political climate. He attributes this shift largely to the awakened political consciousness among the youth in the constituency, who are eager for change. The incumbent, he claims, has resorted to enlisting high-ranking national officials to sway voters but insists that once constituents are clear about their preferences, no amount of external influence will alter their decisions.
The optimism expressed by Agbobli was particularly evident during the special voting on December 2, 2024, in Agortime Kpetoe, where he noted the commitment of the local youth who are rallying behind his candidacy. A former assembly member from the Agortime Ziope District Assembly, Agbobli emphasized that the election campaign is focused on critical issues such as communication, debate, and development within the constituency. He maintains that the electorate is now prioritizing candidates who genuinely represent their interests, rather than simply aligning with political parties. Agbobli highlighted a pressing need for development, pointing out that Agortime Ziope has experienced stagnation for over 32 years without substantial progress.
In alignment with Agbobli’s sentiments, Hon. John Amenya, former District Chief Executive for Agortime Ziope and previous NPP parliamentary candidate, commended the NPP for its various development initiatives in the constituency. While acknowledging that constituents may not have fully recognized these efforts in previous elections, Amenya believes that the visible outcomes of these projects are now hard to ignore. He cited specific examples of infrastructure improvements initiated by the NPP, such as the Agorhokpo bridge, which was started during former President J. A. Kufuor’s administration but left uncompleted by subsequent NDC governments. In addition, he referenced the ongoing Agenda 111 project and other completed school infrastructure initiatives.
Amenya exuded confidence that the NPP would continue to make substantial inroads in the constituency, suggesting that they could potentially split the electorate’s votes—over 32,000 in total—with the NDC. The Agortime Ziope constituency, which is one of the 18 constituencies in the Volta Region, has largely been under the control of the NDC since 2012. The current Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Charles Akwasi Agbeve, is actively campaigning for a third consecutive term in the upcoming election, indicating the challenging environment that Agbobli must navigate.
As the December 7 elections approach, the total voter population in the Agortime Ziope constituency is anticipated to reach 32,532, marking a significant turnout for the democratic process. However, issues such as voter participation were brought to light during the recent special voting, where 23 out of 252 scheduled special voters did not show up, highlighting some of the challenges that could affect voter mobilization and engagement. Agbobli’s campaign appears to be addressing these concerns head-on, with a focus on energizing the youth and making them more involved in the electoral process.
The upcoming elections not only reflect local dynamics but also resonate with broader national trends as Ghana’s political scene evolves. With both parties gearing up for the final push, the stakes are high for the Agortime Ziope constituency. The contrasts between the NPP’s development track record and the incumbent’s experience pose intriguing narratives that will play a significant role in shaping voter decisions. Ultimately, Agbobli’s assertive stance and Amenya’s endorsement reflect a renewed hope and determination among NPP supporters, but the outcome will depend on how effectively they can mobilize and connect with voters leading up to the election.
