The political landscape in the Talensi Constituency of the Upper East Region has shifted after Jemila Dugkrug defeated two male contenders to become the first woman elected as Constituency Chairperson of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The former Talensi Constituency Women Organizer polled 406 votes to emerge victorious in the party’s 2026 constituency executive elections held in Tongo.
Dugkrug defeated former Constituency Chairman Kojo Dengzee and two-time aspirant Fahad Bagmeritame.
A total of 828 votes were cast. Dugkrug secured 406 votes, Mr. Bagmeritame obtained 341 votes, while Mr. Dengzee received 72 votes. There were nine rejected ballots.
The keenly contested election, held at the Tongo Community Centre, ended in jubilation among Hajia Jemila’s supporters, who chanted, “What men can do, women can do better,” and, “NPP in Talensi will work again with transparency.”
On the losing side, there was disappointment and disbelief, with some supporters heard shouting, “This cannot be possible. How did this happen?”
After she and the other elected executives were declared winners by the Electoral Commission, Dugkrug thanked delegates for believing in her message and vision.
“I’m a mother and I will continue to be a mother for all. I will make sure I bring everyone on board so that NPP will work again in Talensi,” she said.
The election also produced a full slate of constituency executives. Naoh Yussif was elected First Vice Chairman with 276 votes, while Francis Ayinejebala secured the position of Second Vice Chairman with 342 votes. Maxwell Avolsore won the Secretary position with 303 votes, and Bamame Abraham was elected Assistant Secretary after polling 402 votes. Dominic Azombise emerged as Treasurer with 443 votes, while Gana Sampana William was elected Organizer with 377 votes. Yamig Yintota Solomon won the Youth Organizer position with 474 votes, and Linda Tindan was elected Women Organizer with 452 votes. Tampoare Kugre Mbame secured the Nasara Organizer position with 405 votes, while Yinwonba Emmanuel was elected Constituency Communication Officer after polling 415 votes.
Party members expressed optimism that the new leadership would prioritize unity, grassroots mobilization, and transparency as the NPP prepares for the 2028 general elections and seeks to win both the parliamentary seat and the presidency.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | David Azure | Talensi |
