Traders within the Kumasi Metropolis of the Ashanti Region of Ghana have slammed the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), led by President Akufo-Addo and Dr. Bawumia, not to think of breaking the 8-year jinx in 2024 without developing the great Ashanti Region.
According to them, the NPP for the past 7 years cannot boast of any visible developmental projects in the Metropolis that will influence the majority of people in the region to vote for the party come 2024.
“You will not break any eight if you do not develop the region.”
The aggrieved traders have issued a stern ultimatum, vowing to kick the NPP government from power if the party refuses to heed their cries about developing the region.
They added that democracy is indeed growing, and so the party must desist from acting on the phrase that Ashanti Region is their stronghold; thus, they will vote for the NPP no matter the zero development they are witnessing now.
During a press conference held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, Nana Asare Michael Bediako, an executive member of the group,hit the nail on the head without any shred of immodesty in voicing out that the NPP had abandoned numerous important projects in the region while actively pursuing very good initiatives in other areas, notably in the Eastern region.
Among the projects detailed as abandoned were the Kumasi Kejetia Redevelopment Project, the Kumasi Airport Project, the Komfo Anokye Maternity Block Project, the Boankra Inland Port Project, and the Krofrom Market Project.
Fast forward: the Afari Military Hospital, Sewua Regional Hospital, and Kumawu Hospital projects have been rejected to rot.
Mr. Bediako further highlighted the neglect of various road projects, including the Suame Interchange project, Kwabre District roads, Manso District roads, Bosome Freho District roads, and Atwima Kwanwoma District roads, to name a few.
In a striking juxtaposition, he whined at the fact that certain crucial projects were splashing in the Eastern region, a very sad move he deemed unfortunate and disgraceful.
He raised cogent questions, probing whether the NPP truly fathomed the agony, suffering, and frustration endured by the region’s populace, who had unflinchingly supported the party’s ascendency to power yet remained deprived of the fruits of their hard work.
He made a passionate appeal, urging the NPP government, President Akufo-Addo, and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to place the region’s growth and development at the forefront of their topmost priorities.
He also implored the Members of Parliament representing the region to champion its progress.
These traders issued a formidable ultimatum, saying “if the NPP does not prioritize their region’s development, they will not hesitate to oust the party from power, making the party’s “break the eight” mantra a seemingly unattainable political wish in the forthcoming 2024 polls.
By Lawrence Odoom