The Director of Programmes and Policy Engagement at CDD-Ghana, Dr. Kojo Pumpuni Asante, has stated that the recent victory of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Assin North Constituency by-election has boosted the party's confidence for the 2024 general election.

Dr. Asante believes that the party's victory provides them with a sense of competitiveness as they approach the upcoming general elections.

“I think we are a long way from December 07, 2024. So, there are still many things to resolve. The NPP’s own internal party primaries have to be resolved to know who’s their candidate. That would help assess the strength of the candidates going into the election.

“For me, this [Assin North] election does give the NDC some more confidence about its own sense of competitiveness going into the 2024 election,” he said.

Dr. Asante suggests that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) should learn from its mistakes in the by-election.

He emphasized the need for the party to reassess its approach to utilizing the advantages of being in power, warning against creating impunity among voters as allegedly witnessed in Assin North, as it could have negative consequences.

Regarding the issue of vote-buying during elections, Dr. Asante proposed conducting undercover investigations to expose those involved.

He believes that relying solely on individuals voluntarily reporting such cases would be challenging, making it necessary to take proactive measures to address the issue.

“I’ve tried to press on the Special Prosecutor who is charged with dealing with politically exposed persons to get into the space because I really think it’s not just about vote-buying. I think it’s vote selling and vote-buying.

“So, I think this example has to be set in terms of even the citizens who are also receiving the money. But I think the tactics should also include undercover because you’re not going to really get people coming forward to say we’re receiving cash,” he added.