South Dayi NDC primaries: Dafeamekpor, Ofosu in tight race

Incumbent Member of Parliament (MP) for South Dayi Constituency in the Volta Region, Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor is facing serious competition in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party primaries.

He is being challenged by Ofosu Prosper Kwame in the primaries slated for May 13, 2023.

Following the tension in the race, vetting of the aspirants at the constituency level was heated and the two had to attend another vetting at Ho, the Volta regional capital.

Views being expressed in the constituency points to a tight race between the two.

The delegates also appear divided over who to vote for and it is currently unclear who the clear favourite is.

Dafeamekpor is a Barrister-at-Law and has worked as Senior Associate at Hayibor, Djarbeng and Company, responsible for litigations and drafting legal opinions and documents.

Ofosu Prosper Kwame

On the other hand, Ofosu is Tax Manager at Honda Place, the sole distributor of Honda cars, parts and accessories in Ghana.

Ofosu, a popular events master of ceremonies (MC) at festivals, community gatherings, funerals, marriages among others in the constituency has a lot of support.

His popularity also stems from his generosity to people especially supporting the youth in education and skills acquisition.

The aspirant is also noted for his interest leading efforts to undertake development projects in his hometown.

He was a former assembly member for Kpalime Duga electoral area.

No MP from South Dayi has ever been appointed into government.

Rockson Nelson Dafeamekpor

Dafeamekpor is seeking a third term hoping that in case NDC wins the 2024 elections, luck will shine on him to be appointed into government.

During his tenure, the constituency benefitted from educational and health facilities.

He has also supported the education and skills acquisition of many youth.

As MP, he has to part with money during funerals, baby christening ceremonies, and pay medical bills of some constituents among many others.

However, the major challenges of his tenure are deplorable roads and lack of potable water in some communities.

Roads in bad shape

Several roads in the constituency are currently in a very bad shape and during heavy downpour the roads become unmotorable.

Todome to Dzemeni road

The road from Todome through Tsate, Toh, Tongor to Dzemeni, a 23-kilometre feeder road, is in a deplorable state.

In 2016, a contractor started work on this road. But, the contractor parked and left when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) assumed power in 2017 and halted road projects to carry out audit. The contractor has since not returned and the road has deteriorated further.

The road from Dzemeni, through Djakiti to Adzebui, which is seven kilometres, is also in a deplorable state.

Dzemeni market among biggest in Ghana

The sad aspect of this development is that Dzemeni is one of the biggest markets in the Volta Region and Ghana.

Roads linking farming communities in bad shape

All roads linking farming communities where students and pupil walk to schools for several kilometers are also in very bad conditions.

Marketing center for all kinds of food stuffs

Dzemeni provides the major fish landing and marketing center for all kinds of food stuffs.

Economic activities affected

The poor state of the roads is negatively affecting economic activities making life unbearable for the people.

Lack of potable water

Several communities in constituency also do not have access to potable water.

Residents of such communities have to dig deep in dried-up river bed in desperate search for water.

During prolonged dry seasons, residents spend hours sometimes deep into the night waiting for dug-up wells to yield water for them to scoop.

Dafeamekpor’s appeals

Dafeamekpor’s has made numerous pleas to the authorities but nothing concrete has come out of it.

In 2016, Dafeamekpor polled 12,369 votes representing 71.44% of 17,465 valid votes cast.

In 2020, he obtained 16,294 which represents 72.7% of total valid votes cast.

He is member of the Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Standing Orders, and the Public Accounts Committees.

Dafeamekpor also served as a member of the Judiciary, Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Parliamentary Committees in his first term as well as the Trade, Industry and Tourism Committee.

Former MPs

Former Members of Parliament for the constituency are Dr Alexander Ransford Ababio (1993 -1996 and 1997-2000), Dr Daniel Kwame Ampofo who also served two term (2001-2004 and 2005 – 2008), Simon Edem Asimah who also served one term (2009-2012 and 2013-2016).

All these MPs happen to be indigenes of Peki, one of the four traditional areas in the constituency.

It is important to note that all the former MPs served two terms.

Dafeamekpor’s elections

Dafeamekpor from Tongor Traditional Area defeated Asimah who attempted a third in the primaries.

He won the national elections to represent the constituency from 2017-2020 and retained the seat and is serving from 2021 – 2024.

Dafeamekpor is attempting to become the first MP to serve three terms but is facing serious completion from Ofosu Prosper Kwame who hails from Kpalime Traditional Area.

57,526 population

The population of the municipality according to 2021 population and housing census stands at 57,526 with 28,721 males and 28,805 females.

South Dayi constituency It was carved out of the then Kpando District

South Dayi constituency lies within latitudes 3020’N and 3.5005’N and lies approximately on longitude 0017’E and 0027E.

It shares boundaries with Kpando and Hohoe to the north, Ho West to the east and Asuogyaman Districts in the South, while the Volta Lake forms the Western boundary.

The constituency covers a total area of 358.3 square kilometers with about 20% submerged by the Volta Lake.

The Constituency is easily accessible by road such as the one which runs from Kpando through Kpeve to Accra and Hohoe through Kpeve to Ho.

The constituency currently comprised of 21 Elected Members from each of the 21 Electoral Areas.

The Volta Lake runs virtually along the whole of the western boundary.

It provides a thriving fishing ground for communities along the lake.

The Volta Lake also provides opportunity for lake transport.

In addition, it provides great potentials for water sports, aqua culture and tourism

Four traditional areas namely Kpeve, Peki, Tongor and Kpalime make up the constituency.

Each of the traditional areas is headed by a paramount chief.