From King Amoah, Our Bureau Chief.
As the political atmosphere in Ghana begins to shift towards the next general election, supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Ashanti Region are in advance sounding the drums of victory.
Viewing the current landscape through a sharp political lens, a cross section of party faithful have predicted that, “come rain or shine,” the NPP will boot the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) out of power in 2028.
The supporters based their confidence on what they describe as a series of failures by the current NDC administration that range from economic hardships to a blatant inability to fulfill centerpiece campaign promises.
While some political analysts suggests that it may be premature to judge the NDC so early in their term, NPP loyalists argue that the “initial signs” of the administration’s performance suggests a failing grade.
Economic Woes and Labor Unrest:
Speaking from Kumasi Kwadaso, Joseph Acquah an NPP member spoke about the current state of the nation.
He pointed to the frequent strikes by doctors, nurses and teachers over service conditions as a clear indicator of a crumbling system.
Ghana is currently worse off under this NDC regime,” Acquah noted. The strikes by our healthcare professionals show clearly the stance of the country.
One must ask President Mahama why he cannot solve these basic problems to make the country free for its citizens.
Harassment of Traders
In Bantama, a staunch NPP activist Nana Yaw Paul,
highlighted the plight of local businesses.
He criticized the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) leadership appointed by the President, accusing them of using aggressive demolition and ejection exercises to punish traders.
Nana Paul claimed that Traders all over Kumasi are losing their properties and falling into massive bank debts as a result of the exercise stressing that it is a calculated move that is destroying livelihoods.
Failed Policy Promises:
The criticism extended to the NDC’s flagship policies where at Anhwiankwanta an NPP supporter known as Ante Mary Okine questioned on whether the ruling government had even begun to fulfill its manifesto.
She specifically pointed to the much touted “24 Hour Economy” policy which she claims has failed to materialize.
We were promised a 24 hour economy, but what do we see? It has been reduced to mere market projects,” Ante Mary remarked, suggesting that the government is rebranding the existing infrastructure projects to cover up a lack of visionary policy.
Suppression of Dissent:
In Obuasi, Richard Sarfo raised concerns about the democratic space in the country, alleging that because the NDC lacks the policies to transform Ghana, they have resorted to intimidate the opposition.
The NDC has no real plans for the country, so they have been arresting the opposition members and other influencial people to halt their criticism against the administration, Sarfo stated.
He added that regardless of these tactics Ghanaians are not ready to maintain the NDC in the next election.
The Bawumia Factor:
The consensus among these supporters are that the secret” to Ghana’s economic empowerment and total transformation lies in the hands of the NPP’s projected flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
According to Richard Sarfo, Dr. Bawumia’s track record during the NPP’s previous time in power serves as a testament to his competence.
Ghanaians can attest to the fact that when the NPP was in power, the economic direction was clear. We are sure to win 2028 because Bawumia is the key to fix what has been broken,” he concluded.
