In a recent durbar held at Nhyiaeso in the Ashanti Region, Baba Jamal, a former Member of Parliament for Akwatia and Deputy Campaign Coordinator for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), called upon Muslims to support the NDC in the impending general elections. He framed the NDC as a divinely ordained party capable of alleviating the economic struggles facing Ghanaians today. Drawing on Quranic verses to bolster his argument, he presented an allegorical comparison where Allah, using eagles, expels elephants from the wilderness, much like the NDC aims to oust the New Patriotic Party (NPP), which he associated with the elephant. His passionate address emphasized that this election is not just a political battle but a moral imperative for the Muslim community to rally around the NDC in pursuit of economic salvation.
Baba Jamal made it clear that he desired “Muslims by deeds, not Muslims by words”, underscoring the need for active participation rather than passive declarations of faith. He went further to criticize the current Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, for not representing the interests of the Islamic community effectively. Highlighting his opposition to a proposed morgue for Muslims, Jamal contrasted Bawumia’s actions unfavorably with those of former President John Mahama, whom he praised for adhering to Islamic principles, despite not being a Muslim himself. Jamal’s rhetoric aimed to establish the NDC as a beacon of hope in contrast to the NPP’s policies, which he claimed have exacerbated the plight of the Muslim community and Ghanaians more broadly.
Baba Jamal also encouraged the NDC’s supporters to engage with NPP members by quoting relevant verses from the Quran, particularly from Chapter 105, which may serve to reinforce their message of divine support for the NDC. This approach hints at a larger strategy to not just connect with the Muslim community but to engage in a religiously motivated discourse that aligns the NDC’s goals with Islamic values. The invocation of spiritual narratives seeks to solidify the idea that the NDC carries the divine mandate necessary to reverse the negative effects of the current government’s policies.
Faustina Dery, the NDC’s Parliamentary Candidate for the Nhyiaeso Constituency, also addressed the gathering, articulating her commitment to enhancing the developmental prospects of the area. She vocalized the pressing need for essential social amenities such as markets and public toilets, which she believes are critical for fostering community welfare. Dery emphasized her intention to serve the constituency with humility and dedication, declaring that the people of Nhyiaeso deserved better representation and development. This promise seeks to resonate with voters who may feel neglected under previous governance, positioning the NDC as a viable alternative that prioritizes community interests.
Dery took the opportunity to express her gratitude towards party leaders and traditional authorities for their ongoing support and collaboration. Her address not only reinforced her candidacy but also sought to galvanize the community into action, urging constituents to align themselves with the NDC for improved representation and better governance. The broader gathering attracted various stakeholders, including party members and community leaders, all advocating for the NDC’s return to power and the sweet promise of developmental change it offers.
In conclusion, the durbar served as a focal point for rallying support for the NDC in the upcoming elections. Baba Jamal’s and Faustina Dery’s speeches captured a moment of unity among party members and local residents, emphasizing the belief that the NDC is the path forward for better governance and economic recovery in Ghana. Their efforts were framed within a narrative of divine support and community commitment, appealing to both religious sentiment and the practical needs of the constituency for essential development. As the elections approach, the NDC is strategically positioning itself not only as a partisan entity but as a movement with a moral and spiritual mandate to uplift Ghanaians and champion progressive change.
