Andrew Egyapa Mercer, the Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts, has opened up about his recent loss in the Sekondi parliamentary elections, attributing his defeat to the demanding nature of his ministerial duties.
Speaking on Adom FM, Monitored by Journalist Attractive Mustapha (Andre Mustapha Nii Okai Inusah), Mercer acknowledged that his role overseeing a ministry with 16 agencies significantly limited his ability to mount an effective campaign for re-election.
According to Andrew Egyapa Mercer, his late start in campaigning was a key factor in his defeat. “I couldn’t start my campaign on time because my job as a minister required me to oversee numerous responsibilities across the 16 agencies under my ministry,” he explained. He also noted that his efforts to connect with constituents were constrained to “a lot of engagements and a few rallies.”
The 2024 general elections saw a shift in voter dynamics, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) losing several parliamentary seats, including Mercer’s in Sekondi. Reflecting on this, Mercer observed that while his party had enjoyed strong support in the 2016 and 2020 elections, 2024 presented a different outcome as Ghanaians opted for change.
Mercer’s loss forms part of a broader trend, with the NPP experiencing significant challenges in retaining parliamentary seats nationwide. Analysts suggest this may reflect voter dissatisfaction with the party’s governance and the economic hardships facing the country.
