In the upcoming December 7 elections, the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Ghana’s Volta Region has sharply criticized the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) goal of securing 500,000 votes in the region, labeling the target as unrealistic and “bordering on fantasy.” The NDC’s response highlights their perception that the NPP’s ambitions illustrate a significant disconnect with the current socio-political realities faced by the people of Volta. This sentiment was articulated by Sorkpa Kafui Agbleze, the NDC Volta Regional Communications Officer, who referred to a recent announcement made by NPP National Communications Director Richard Ahiagba regarding their election targets.
The NDC cast doubt on the feasibility of the NPP’s aspirations, recalling similar overestimations made by the party in past elections which had consistently failed to materialize. The NDC pointed out that the NPP’s expectation to garner nearly half of the region’s registered voters, which amounts to around 49% of the total votes, does not align with the historical voting trends in Volta—an area traditionally viewed as an NDC stronghold. The party’s critique emphasizes that such claims are not only implausible but also an insult to the intelligence of Voltarians, who they believe are aware of the historical voting patterns and the NPP’s previous failures to deliver on their own electoral promises.
Reflecting on the NPP’s previous electoral performances, the NDC underscored their consistent pattern of “overpromising and underperforming” in the region. In both the 2016 and 2020 general elections, the NPP had set ambitious targets; however, they fell short by a significant margin, receiving only 10.81% and 14.14% of the presidential vote in those respective years. The NDC interprets these results as indicative of the NPP’s inability to connect with the aspirations and needs of the people in the Volta Region, further solidifying their confidence in maintaining loyalty from the electorate.
Moreover, the NDC strongly asserts their commitment to defending their established support in the Volta Region, emphasizing their intention to protect what they consider a historic electoral stronghold. The party’s communication reflects a firm resolve to mobilize voters, advocating for a continued alignment with the NDC in opposition to the NPP’s perceived unrealistic expectations. By positively framing their own party’s track record and stability, the NDC aims to reinforce its identity among respondents in the region as a reliable and trustworthy political choice.
The NDC’s critique also highlights the broader economic context as a significant factor contributing to the NPP’s struggles in Volta. The party argues that the NPP has largely overseen years marked by economic difficulties, with citizens grappling with rising prices, unemployment, and a depreciating cedi. By linking the NPP’s electoral ambitions to the prevailing economic hardships, the NDC aims to bolster their argument that voters should reject what they term “empty promises” from the ruling party.
In concluding their appeal, the NDC encouraged voters in the Volta Region to remain vigilant against what they perceive as “propaganda” from the NPP, aimed at misleading the electorate. By presenting themselves as the authentic representatives of the people’s interests, the NDC seeks to galvanize support and loyalty from their base ahead of the impending election, thereby consolidating their influence in one of Ghana’s politically significant regions. As the elections approach, the NDC’s strategy reflects a focus on local realities and historical voting behaviors, which they believe will play a crucial role in determining the electoral outcome.
