Former Minister for Food and Agriculture, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, is preparing to join Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, on a critical campaign tour across the Ashanti Region. This collaboration not only signals a commitment to party unity as the 2024 elections draw nearer, but also emphasizes the NPP’s strategy of consolidating its support base in a region that has long served as a bastion for the party. Dr. Afriyie Akoto, an accomplished agricultural economist and son of a revered figure in the UP tradition, is anticipated to play a significant role in bolstering campaign efforts through his expertise in agriculture and his historical ties to the party.
Starting on November 4, 2024, the two-week tour is designed to reinforce Bawumia’s vision for Ghana, centering around transformative economic policies. The campaign will highlight various initiatives aimed at modernizing the economy, including the development of a digital economy, enhancing credit accessibility, and fostering job creation. Furthermore, the tour seeks to establish a business-friendly tax regime and promote environmental sustainability. A key component of the campaign will also involve reinforcing the “gold-for-oil” policy implemented during the Akufo-Addo administration, aimed particularly at stabilizing the cedi against economic fluctuations. By focusing on these progressive ideas, Bawumia’s campaign intends to resonate with the electorate through promises of growth and stability.
Dr. Akoto, often referred to as the “farmers’ friend,” will specifically address agricultural issues, focusing on the substantial support that the Akufo-Addo-led government has provided to Ghana’s agricultural sector. With more than 3.6 million farmers in Ghana, his messaging is expected to reflect on the tangible benefits of government policies and investments in agricultural development over the past eight years, positioning it as a cornerstone of the campaign. By advocating for the continuity of these policies, Dr. Afriyie Akoto aims to galvanize support among the farming community, which plays a pivotal role in the country’s economy.
The alliance of Bawumia and Dr. Akoto also serves as a significant reminder of NPP unity despite previous competition for the party’s presidential nomination. All nine candidates who participated in the party’s primary election, including Dr. Afriyie Akoto, are now united in support of Bawumia. This consolidation of support is a strategic advantage for the NPP as it endeavors to present a united front to the electorate. This show of unity is aimed at assuaging any potential divisions within the party, thereby strengthening its campaign narrative as it navigates the political landscape ahead of the elections.
Moreover, the Ashanti Region tour marks a pivotal phase for the NPP’s electoral campaign. The region has historically been a stronghold for the party, and it is crucial for rallying support from party members and sympathizers. Dr. Bawumia’s engagement with constituents will be vital to re-energizing the party base and attracting undecided voters. The focus on community-centric discussions during the tour will allow Bawumia and Dr. Akoto to directly interact with voters, understand their concerns, and articulate how the NPP’s policies can directly address these issues.
In conclusion, the joint campaign tour of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto in the Ashanti Region represents a strategic step for the NPP as it gears up for the 2024 elections. With a focus on economic growth, agricultural support, and a unified party front, the tour is expected to play a crucial role in affirming the party’s readiness to “break the 8” and secure a third consecutive term in office. The combined (expertise, historical ties, and commitment to development) that both leaders bring to the campaign is anticipated to resonate positively with voters, reinforcing the NPP’s vision for a prosperous Ghana.
