Traders at the Racecourse Market in Kumasi have voiced their growing discontent with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), urging voters in the Ashanti region to consider alternative options in the upcoming December 2024 general elections. This sentiment arises amid the selection of Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, as the running mate to the NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.
Concerns Over Neglect and Unfulfilled Promises
During a press conference held on July 15, 2024, the market women expressed their frustration, citing the government’s neglect of the Ashanti region despite its historical support for the NPP. They pointed to stalled construction projects, including the Kumasi Central Market and the Krofrom Market, as evidence of this neglect.
Christabel Amoah, the spokesperson for the traders, emphasized that while Dr. Opoku Prempeh, also known as NAPO, hails from the Ashanti Region, his long tenure as MP has not resulted in tangible benefits for the community.
“We don’t have a proper place to use as our market. We live in water. Racecourse has been deserted. We stay under the sun from morning till dusk for our daily bread. Sometimes we are overrun by vehicles and some even lose their lives through it,” Amoah lamented.
She further criticized the MP’s failure to address the issues surrounding the abandoned Krofrom Market, which falls within his constituency. “NAPO has been MP for 16 years and the abandoned Krofrom Market is in his constituency, so we expected him to fix it so we could use it, but he didn’t. And we don’t expect him to address our problems at this juncture when he has been appointed as running mate,” Amoah stated.
Lack of Support During Crises
The traders also highlighted their lack of support during crises, including fire outbreaks, noting that the MP has not engaged with them to help find solutions.
“A lot has happened in our market, including fire outbreaks, but there has not been a single instance where he has come to us to share in our problems to help solve them,” Amoah added.
A Call for Development-Oriented Leadership
In their statements, the traders made it clear that they are no longer willing to base their votes on regional loyalty. Instead, they seek leaders who can bring tangible development to the Ashanti region.
“If Bawumia thinks we will vote for him because he is from the Ashanti Region, then he should forget about it. We are no more going to vote based on where we come from but rather who can bring development to Asanteman,” Amoah declared.
Implications for the NPP
This public discontent among the traders at Racecourse Market reflects broader concerns within the Ashanti region, a key stronghold for the NPP. The dissatisfaction with unmet promises and perceived neglect could influence voter behavior in the December elections, posing a challenge for the ruling party.
As the election approaches, the NPP will need to address these concerns and demonstrate a commitment to the development and well-being of the Ashanti region to maintain its support base. The sentiments expressed by the traders at Racecourse Market underscore the critical need for responsive and effective leadership that prioritizes the needs of the people.
Source: GhanaFeed.Com