Hon. Vincent Assafuah, the Member of Parliament representing Old Tafo in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the perceived neglect of the region by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), despite the unwavering and overwhelming electoral support the party has consistently received from the Ashanti people. This sentiment, voiced during an interview on Oyerepa TV, underscores a growing concern within the NPP’s traditional stronghold about the disconnect between electoral loyalty and developmental dividends. Assafuah’s remarks paint a picture of unfulfilled promises and a sense of betrayal felt by the Ashanti populace, who have historically been the bedrock of the NPP’s political power.
Assafuah’s critique centered on the lack of visible development in the Ashanti Region, despite its significant contribution to the NPP’s electoral successes. He cited the Suame Roundabout, a prominent location in the region, as a stark example of this neglect, highlighting its deteriorated state and the pervasive lack of development in the surrounding area. This observation, according to Assafuah, reflects a broader pattern of underdevelopment across the region, which stands in stark contrast to the immense support the NPP receives from the Ashanti people. He argues that the region’s loyalty has not been adequately reciprocated with tangible development initiatives, leading to a sense of disillusionment among the electorate.
While acknowledging the shortcomings and expressing a need for forgiveness for past political naiveté, Assafuah strategically distanced Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s former Vice President and a prospective presidential candidate, from the blame. Instead, he attributed the region’s developmental woes to failures within key implementing bodies, particularly the Ministry of Finance. This strategic positioning suggests an effort to protect Bawumia’s image within the Ashanti Region while holding other elements of the party accountable for the perceived failures. This distinction aims to maintain support for Bawumia as a potential future leader while addressing the legitimate concerns of the Ashanti electorate.
Assafuah further emphasized that the NPP’s recent electoral challenges are not attributable to Bawumia’s religious affiliation, dismissing the notion that his Muslim faith has alienated voters. He attributed the party’s setbacks to internal betrayals and shortcomings within the party’s ranks. This assertion seeks to counter any narrative that attempts to link the NPP’s declining fortunes to religious factors, reinforcing the argument that the core issues are related to governance and internal party dynamics. By emphasizing internal accountability, Assafuah attempts to redirect focus towards the party’s performance and its ability to deliver on promises made to the Ashanti people.
To further illustrate the depth of the discontent within the Ashanti Region, Assafuah recounted an anecdote from a local football match in Tafo Zongo. He shared the story of a constituent who expressed his disillusionment with the NPP due to the deplorable state of the region, highlighting the direct impact of perceived neglect on voting decisions. This anecdote serves to personalize the issue, giving a voice to the grassroots supporters and underscoring the real-world consequences of the NPP’s failure to deliver on development promises in the Ashanti Region. This approach humanizes the political critique and emphasizes the tangible impact of policy decisions on the lives of ordinary citizens.
Despite his critical assessment, Assafuah maintained an optimistic outlook, expressing confidence in the potential for the Ashanti Region to regain its status as an NPP stronghold. He stressed that with effective leadership and a renewed commitment to development, the region could once again become a shining example of the NPP’s ability to deliver on its promises. This optimistic projection is strategically linked to the prospect of Bawumia’s leadership, suggesting that under his guidance, the NPP can regain the trust of the Ashanti people and restore the region to its former glory within the party’s electoral landscape. This message of hope is crucial for maintaining support within the Ashanti Region and mobilizing voters for future elections.
