The newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for Hohoe, Mr. Wolanyo Tsekpo, has vowed to reduce the influence of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in future elections.
According to him, his victory in the 2023 parliamentary race marks a significant shift in the political landscape of the Volta Region, particularly in Hohoe, a constituency that has long been considered a stronghold of the NPP.
Mr. Tsekpo, who was hand-picked by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) National Chairman, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, to challenge the NPP’s John Peter Amewu, faced a series of challenges throughout his campaign.
He was initially met with mixed reactions, with some viewing him as an outsider. However, according to him, he was determined to serve the people of Hohoe.
“Though I was seen by some as an outsider, I knew I had to offer a new direction for Hohoe,” Mr. Tsekpo said. “It wasn’t easy, especially during the NDC primaries, where I had to compete against five other aspirants. But with a clear strategy and the support of my party, we managed to secure the win.”
Mr. Tsekpo, who previously served as the NDC Youth Organizer in both the Bono and Brong-Ahafo regions, reflected on his past political experiences, noting how they prepared him for the tough contest in Hohoe.
“Even in Bono, where I wasn’t originally from, I contested and succeeded. That experience taught me resilience and helped me face the challenges here in Hohoe,” he lamented.
In the December 7th, 2024 elections, Mr. Tsekpo won the parliamentary seat with 31,163 votes, defeating Mr. Amewu, who garnered just 14,901 votes.
According to Mr. Tsekpo, this victory was not just a personal achievement, but a win for the people of Hohoe.
“This victory belongs to the people of Hohoe. They have clearly shown their desire for change. The NPP’s influence in this constituency is no longer what it once was, and we will continue to work towards ensuring that change,” he said.
Looking ahead to his four-year term, Mr. Tsekpo outlined his priorities, including job creation, road infrastructure, and other developmental projects for the constituency.
“There is a lot of work to be done, and I am committed to fulfilling the promises made during the campaign. I have already discussed the challenges facing Hohoe with former President John Mahama, and he has assured me of his full support in tackling these issues,” he stated.
Mr. Tsekpo also emphasized the importance of strengthening the NDC’s presence in Hohoe. “This victory is just the beginning,” he said.
“We will continue to work closely with the people of Hohoe to ensure that NDC remains the party of choice. Our goal is to create a brighter future for everyone in this constituency.”
Mr. Tsekpo expressed his optimism about the future of Hohoe. “With the support of the people, we can transform Hohoe into a model of development for the entire Volta Region,” he concluded.