She was seeking re-election as a second-term MP and secured 23,349 votes in the election held on December 7.

Her main contender, Prince Ebenezer Arhin of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a first-time candidate polled 35,832 votes.

Madam Hayford made her parliamentary entry in 2020 after being the substitution for her late husband, Ekow Kwansah Hayford.

Mr Hayford who was the NPP’s parliamentary candidate was killed in the buildup to the general election while on a campaign trip.

Mr Hayford was shot by persons believed to be highway robbers in the early hours of October 9, 2020, on the Abeadze Dominase – Abeadze Duadzi – Mankessim Road on his return from a campaign trip.

He was rushed to the emergency ward of Saltpond Municipal Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

This significant milestone was achieved through the efforts of the Member of Parliament for the area, Ophelia Mensah Hayford.

The MP, in collaboration with local authorities, spearheaded the project to provide a much-needed sanitation solution for the community.

She was accompanied by officials from the National Lottery Authority (NLA), the Municipal Chief Executive, the Constituency Chairman, and various constituency and polling station executives, to officiate the commissioning ceremony.

At the official unveiling, Kwaakrom was filled with jubilation as residents gathered to inspect the newly constructed toilet facility.

Residents, particularly women, took turns to inspect the modern water closet toilet amid cheers and hailing for their MP.

In her remarks during the handover ceremony, reiterated her commitment to addressing critical community needs and pledged to continue working towards the development of Kwaakrom and its residents.

This was in a colourful ceremony over the weekend.

It was the chiefs, elders and people of Towoboase’s way of appreciating the MP for some developmental projects in the community.

It was also in recognition of her excellent working relationship with the leaders of the community after succeeding her slain husband, Ekow Quansah Hayford.

Persons, believed to be Highway robbers, shot Kwansa Hayford in the early hours of October 9, 2020, on the Abeadze Dominase – Abeadze Duadzi – Mankessim road on his way from a campaign trip.

Following the murder, Mrs Hayford, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), resigned from the Police Service, to succeed her late husband.

Speaking after successfully filing her nomination for the vacant parliamentary candidate seat, Ophelia Hayford thanked the national, regional and constituency leaders for having faith in her.

The widow described the faith, prayers and optimism her constituents have in her as the pillars that comfort her in such trying times.

“You have made me wipe my tears because I know I have courageous people supporting me. It gives me hope that Ekow Quansah Hayford’s work will not remain uncompleted,” she said.

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Madam Hayford assured she will see to it that her husband’s legacy will still live on because she will not only replace him but follow his footsteps.

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