We won’t vote for NPP in 2024, they’ve poorly performed – Kejetia Traders

In Kumasi’s bustling Kejetia Market, a growing discontent among traders in the Ashanti region has cast a shadow of doubt over the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and its commitment to the development of the region among others.

The Ashanti region being a stronghold for the NPP, has been instrumental in the party’s electoral successes over the years. However, according to the traders recent performance concerns have left party sympathizers disheartened, prompting them to call upon Ashanti residents to vote based on issues and developmental progress rather than tribal or party affiliations in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

The Ashanti region’s pivotal role in the NPP’s electoral victories has been somewhat has been undermined by the party’s perceived lackluster performance in terms of development. This sentiment has triggered an urgent plea from concerned party members for the NPP to address and complete all stalled development projects in the region, or risk losing support from Ashanti residents.

During a news conference held at Kumasi Kejetia Market, party sympathizers urged their fellow residents to prioritize the region’s development over political loyalty. This shift in perspective indicates that the NPP is facing a challenge to retain its traditional stronghold in Ashanti, with the looming 2024 elections considered pivotal in this regard.

In the lead-up to the 2024 elections, the NPP finds itself in a state of internal division, compounded by the task of selecting a flag bearer, parliamentary candidate, and running mate. The growing rift within the party could further exacerbate the challenges it faces in the Ashanti region.

On the 2nd of October 2023, all 26 identifiable trader groups within Kejetia, Race-Course, and Central Market declared their support for Vice President Dr. Mahamadu Bawumia. They projected him as the most credible candidate for the party’s leadership in the 2024 elections. A week later, another group from the same market took a contrasting stance, accusing the government of failing to accomplish anything significant that would justify re-election in 2024.

These traders, who are staunch supporters of the NPP, pointed out the significant role Vice President Dr. Bawumia plays in the day-to-day management of the Ghanaian economy. They raised questions about the government’s commitment to the completion of the Kejetia project’s phase 2-3, which has caused the displacement of thousands of traders.

In their press conference held in Kumasi, the traders, closely affiliated with the NPP, argued that the government had neglected the Ashanti region despite it being a key contributor to the party’s electoral victories in both the 2016 and 2020 general elections. The completion of the Kejetia project was a particular point of contention. Asarfo Kantanka, the spokesperson for the group, voiced their concerns, reflecting the sentiment among many traders in the region.

The dissatisfaction among Kejetia traders and their peers in the Ashanti region underscores the importance of the 2024 elections. As the NPP grapples with internal divisions and a decline in popularity, it faces a formidable challenge to regain the trust and support of voters in its traditional stronghold. The message from these traders is clear: the party’s past performance in Ashanti will no longer be enough to secure their votes, and the completion of stalled development projects is now a critical factor in determining the region’s allegiance.

The Kejetia traders’ rejection of the NPP ahead of the 2024 elections is a symptom of deeper discontent with the party’s performance in the Ashanti region. The party’s internal divisions and its failure to complete essential development projects have left its once-loyal supporters questioning their allegiance. The 2024 elections in the Ashanti region will be a test of the NPP’s ability to regain its stronghold and prioritize the development and concerns of its constituents.

Source: Today.com.gh