With less than 12 hours to the elections, the University of Ghana continues to stand out as a key player in the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency, a recognized hotspot in this year’s polls.
This constituency has garnered national attention for its competitive political climate, with candidates fiercely competing to secure the support of its diverse electorate
The spotlight is on two leading contenders: Lydia Seyram Alhassan and John Setor Dumelo.
This contest is more than just who wins the seat, it is about who has truly captured the heart and spirit of University of Ghana students.
Now, let’s meet the potential faces of the constituency:
John Setor Dumelo, a renowned Ghanaian actor, entrepreneur, and politician, has made a notable transition from entertainment to politics. He began his education at Christ the King School in Accra and continued at Achimota School, where he actively participated in the Drama Club and won the “Fliers Guy in Mo-TOWN” prize. He later studied Civil Engineering at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and pursued leadership studies at GIMPA’s School of Public Service and Governance.
John Dumelo gained political traction during the 2016 National Democratic Congress (NDC) campaign, where he was a prominent celebrity advocate. His dedication earned him a role as Director of Operations for a pro-NDC youth group under then-President John Dramani Mahama.
In 2019, Dumelo officially entered politics, contesting and winning the NDC primaries to represent the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency. His 2020 campaign manifesto emphasized youth development, including a pledge to allocate half of his parliamentary salary to youth initiatives. Despite his efforts, Dumelo narrowly lost the 2020 election to incumbent Lydia Seyram Alhassan.
Lydia Seyram Alhassan, born on 31 January 1970, has represented Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency since 2019 under the New Patriotic Party (NPP). She entered politics after the death of her husband, Emmanuel Boakye Agyarko, who previously held the parliamentary seat.
In the January 2019 by-election, Alhassan won decisively, securing 68.80% of the valid votes. She retained her seat in the 2020 general election, defeating John Dumelo with 9,851 votes against his 7,617. Alhassan is celebrated for her contributions to national development
This year’s polls in Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency is featuring notable contenders whose campaigns have focused on promises aimed at engaging the youth, the academic community, and the middle-class demographic in East Legon and surrounding areas. While the candidates’ platforms are central to the race, the broader implications for national politics cannot be overlooked
As a designated hotspot constituency, Ayawaso West Wuogon will be under close scrutiny on election day.
Security agencies and electoral officials have assured the public of measures to ensure a peaceful and transparent voting process.
Nonetheless, the biggest question remains unanswered: who gets to win the seat?
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Story by: Cindy Selasi Humade | univers.ug.edu.gh
