In a recent rally in Ketu South, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), passionately appealed to the Muslim community, often referred to as the Zongo, to reinforce their allegiance to the party, declaring it their genuine political home. He asserted that the upcoming December elections are not just a choice for the party’s Flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama, or the parliamentary candidates, but rather a pivotal moment for the community’s own empowerment and acknowledgment within the broader Ghanaian society. His statement was filled with urgency, urging the Zongo people to recognize that their vote would symbolize a stand for their dignity and equal treatment as citizens, rather than an ordinary electoral choice.
Mr. Nketia’s rhetoric emphasized the importance of recognizing the NDC as the party that genuinely cares for the Zongo community, countering the views presented by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP). He argued that a vote for the NDC is a vote for personal liberation, independence, and the promise of equal opportunities for them and their children within the country. He further emphasized the potential consequences of not supporting the NDC, framing any opposition to the party as a voluntary acceptance of subjugation or “enslavement.” This framing served to rally his audience and to emphasize the critical stakes involved in the upcoming elections for their self-advocacy as a marginalized community.
Adding her voice to the sentiments expressed, Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, a longstanding member of the NDC and Parliamentary candidate for Ketu South, acknowledged the loyalty and dedication shown by her constituents over the years. She spoke to the party’s dedication to social democracy and policies designed to uplift the populace. Highlighting the current socio-economic challenges facing the nation, including pervasive corruption and social injustice, she urged the gatherings to let these realities guide their electoral decision-making as they considered which party could best address the crises they face in their daily lives.
The rally featured a variety of key speakers, including prominent NDC Volta Regional Executives, who collaboratively urged the community to see the December polls not just as a political exercise but as a collective effort towards achieving victory for the NDC. They emphasized the need for unity in purpose as a means to “reset” Ghana’s political direction. The leadership’s call for solidarity framed the elections as a communal labor effort, whereby every individual’s participation was inherently tied to the community’s larger aspirations for a better future.
Empathy towards the economic difficulties faced by the constituents resonated throughout the gathering, reflecting a palpable sense of urgency among the attendees. Many expressed their frustrations over rising food prices—an issue that significantly affects their livelihoods. This discontent served as a rallying point, encouraging community members to actively work together towards the NDC’s electoral success, which they believe is essential to instigate meaningful change.
Overall, the rally highlighted the NDC’s strategy to galvanize support by aligning their political narrative with the everyday struggles of Ghanaians, particularly the Zongo community. Mr. Nketia’s and Madam Gomashie’s speeches underscored a conviction that the NDC is poised to fight for inclusive governance, promising to address social inequalities and uplift living standards. As the elections approach, the NDC is evidently positioning itself as the champion of a socio-economic agenda that resonates deeply with the aspirations of their constituents, urging them to turn out in droves to secure a promising future for themselves and their families.
