Several prominent members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have rejected the results of the 2024 parliamentary elections after suffering unexpected defeats in their constituencies.

The elections, which saw shocking upsets, have led to mounting tensions as some NPP candidates vow to challenge the outcomes in court.

The Member of Parliament for Okaikwei Central, Patrick Yaw Boamah, who lost to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Abdulai Abu Baba Abubakar Sadiq, has declared his intention to pursue legal action.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Boamah stated, “I know I have won the election. There is no need for violent means to reclaim my seat. We are consulting with our legal team and gathering the necessary documentation to proceed.”

According to the Electoral Commission, Baba Sadiq secured 15,383 votes against Boamah’s 14,949 votes.

In Adansi Asokwa, long-serving MP K.T. Hammond has refused to concede defeat after losing his seat to the NDC’s Animli Dorgbadzi Dorani. Mr. Hammond, who has represented the constituency since 2001, polled 13,275 votes compared to Dorani’s 14,229 votes. He alleges irregularities, particularly concerning the pink sheets issued by Electoral Commission (EC) officials.

Another major loss for the NPP occurred in Dome Kwabenya, a traditional stronghold of the party. The NPP candidate, Mike Ocquaye Jnr, rejected the results, claiming that the declaration of Faustina Elikplim Akrugu of the NDC as the winner was invalid.

Mr. Ocquaye alleged that ballot papers were destroyed during the process, denying constituents the opportunity to verify the true results.

“What the Electoral Commission would use to work has been burnt, and what the NPP will use to work has been burnt. If you know you have won the election, why do you burn ballot papers for the government?” he questioned.

In Tema Central, Charles Forson of the NPP has also contested the declaration of Ebi Bright of the NDC as the winner. The EC’s official results showed that Ebi Bright garnered 18,539 votes against Forson’s 18,421 votes. Mr. Forson maintains that internal analysis of the pink sheets confirmed his victory and has threatened court action if the EC does not reverse the results.

The 2024 elections have been particularly unfavorable for the NPP, with the party yet to secure at least 100 seats in the 9th Parliament. Among the notable figures who have lost their seats are Communications and Digitization Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful (Ablekuma West), Interior Minister Henry Quartey (Ayawaso Central), Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Hawa Koomson, Tourism Minister Andrew Egyapa Mercer (Sekondi), and Deputy Works and Housing Minister Prince Hamid Armah.

The defeats have sparked internal debates within the ruling party, with several bigwigs determined to challenge the results through legal means, citing irregularities and alleged foul play.