Some 120 fishermen and known members of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ekumfi in the Central Region have crossed carpet to the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The defections took place when the running mate to John Mahama, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, participated in a durbar on yesterday, Thursday, August 1, to interact with fisherfolks in the area.
According to them, their fishing businesses are on the verge of collapse due to the high cost of pre-mix fuel and outboard motors, among other fishing items.
The leader of the defectors, Opanyin Owu Bonsu, said that “the government is not concerned about our welfare. We can no longer trust our lives and fishing occupation into the hands of the NPP”, adding that “we feel deceived, and we are from today no longer with the NPP.”
He added further that despite their calls on government to check the exorbitant cost of pre-mix fuel, the price kept rising on a daily basis.
Mr. Bonsu recollects that in 2016, under the administration of John Mahama and the NDC, they [fisherfolks] used to purchase one yellow gallon (kuffor gallon) of the fuel at GHC 520. However, the price has risen to between GHC 2,500 and GHC 2,800 per gallon since the NDC went into opposition.
Meanwhile, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang, addressing the durbar promised fishermen, fishmongers and traders in Ekumfi, and all coastal areas in general, of effective policies under the next NDC administration that will promote their welfare.
She noted that the policies of the NDC government are always designed with the development of the welfare of the citizenry in mind.
“Development is our goal,” she stressed, and assured Ekumfi and surrounding areas of development when the NDC returns to power.
She urged the electorates to guard against being deceived by the ruling NPP, saying “you should check your livelihood and decide for yourselves”.
The Regent for Ekumfi Narkwa Traditional Area, Morgan Darko, representing the chief of the area, assured the NDC of their support to return to power to complete projects it started in the area.
