The newly elected Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Rev. Kweku Addo, has shared an inspiring account of his journey into politics, highlighting his grassroots beginnings and the challenges he overcame to secure victory.
On Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV on Tuesday, December 17, he recounted how his passion for community service began in the late 1970s in Dansoman. At the time, his neighborhood faced significant issues, such as a lack of water and proper drainage systems. Driven by the desire to help, he initiated community projects to address these challenges.
“I received a scholarship that changed my life,” he said, adding that such opportunities were rare and often reserved for those perceived as well-off in society.
In the United States, a friend, Humphrey Mensah—the son of E.T. Mensah—encouraged him to engage with the National Democratic Congress (NDC). “He invited me to some NDC meetings in Dansoman, and I felt motivated to contribute to the party,” he explained.
By 2018, the NDC’s executives approached him, recognizing his potential to serve the party and the community. He decided to delve deeper into the party’s constitution, which he described as “easy to understand.” In 2019, he contested the NDC primaries and won on his first attempt.
Although he lost the 2020 parliamentary election, he saw it as a stepping stone. “With no prior experience, I started learning and growing politically in 2021,” he revealed.
When asked why he decided to contest in a constituency where the NDC had never won before, he cited the unique dynamics of Ablekuma West. The constituency is divided between Akan residents and coastal communities, primarily populated by the Ga and Ewe people. As an Akuapem and a fluent Twi speaker, he began engaging with the Akan community, assuring them of his identity and connection to their culture.
He acknowledged historical challenges that had influenced political affiliations in the area, including the impact of the 1981 coup led by Jerry John Rawlings, which had affected many Akan businesses. Despite this, he worked tirelessly to bridge divides and rebuild hope for the NDC in the constituency.
“Today, I am proud to stand as an MP-elect who understands both sides of the constituency,” he said. “Together with my team, we have restored hope for the NDC in Ablekuma West.”
By: Sylvia Tenkoramaa Oppong
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