#Election2024: Tourism Minister Egyapa Mercer attributes Sekondi Parliamentary defeat to ministerial duties, late campaign

Andrew Egyapa Mercer, Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts, has attributed his defeat in the Sekondi parliamentary elections to the demanding nature of his ministerial responsibilities.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM, Mercer explained that his role as minister, overseeing 16 agencies under the ministry, left him with limited time to campaign effectively for re-election. He admitted that his late start in reaching out to constituents contributed significantly to his loss.

"I couldn’t begin my campaign on time because my duties as minister required a lot of attention across the numerous agencies I oversee," Mercer noted. He added that his campaign efforts were restricted to "a lot of engagements and a few rallies," which he acknowledged was insufficient to connect with voters on the ground.

The 2024 general elections marked a shift in voter sentiment, with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) losing several parliamentary seats, including Mercer’s in Sekondi. Reflecting on the outcome, Mercer acknowledged the change in voter dynamics compared to the party's strong performances in the 2016 and 2020 elections. He stated, “This election presented a different outcome as Ghanaians decided to opt for change.”

Mercer’s defeat aligns with a broader trend of setbacks for the NPP, which faced significant challenges in retaining parliamentary seats across the country. Political analysts attribute the losses to growing voter dissatisfaction with the party’s governance, compounded by economic hardships experienced under its administration.

Despite the loss, Mercer expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve Sekondi and reaffirmed his commitment to contributing to the development of his constituency in other capacities.