Local News

Kumasi Central Market Expresses Support for Mahama and the NDC.

Peter October 1, 2024 104

The public shift in allegiance by the Queen Mother of Kumasi Central Market, Nana Akosua Pokua, and her fellow traders is a remarkable development in Ghana’s political scene, particularly in the Ashanti Region, which has long been considered the electoral stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The Queen Mother, speaking on behalf of the traders, expressed a clear sense of disillusionment with the performance of the Akufo–Addo–Bawumia–led administration, contrasting it sharply with the achievements of the previous National Democratic Congress (NDC) government under John Dramani Mahama.

This declaration, made at the official launch of the NDC Women’s Manifesto in Kumasi, suggests a deepening frustration with the NPP’s inability to meet the expectations of the electorate in the region, especially the central market women. Nana Akosua Pokua and her colleagues indicated that their support for the NPP in 2016 and 2020 was based on what they described as “juicy promises” from the party, many of which remain unfulfilled. According to the Queen Mother, these promises influenced their votes, but now, after evaluating the government’s performance, they believe the NDC performed far better in terms of infrastructure and development.

Key Points Raised by Nana Akosua Pokua

Disappointment with the NPP’s Performance: The Queen Mother and market women expressed regret over the NPP’s governance, stating that many of the projects initiated by the Mahama administration, particularly those in the Ashanti Region, had been abandoned. They cited the Kejetia Market project, which was initiated under Mahama, as an example. Nana Akosua Pokua lamented that the market women who were supposed to benefit from the project have been sidelined, with many forced to sell outside the market complex. This, she explained, symbolized the neglect they feel under the NPP government.

Infrastructure Development Under Mahama: The Queen Mother acknowledged the infrastructural developments carried out by the NDC in the Ashanti Region during Mahama’s tenure, despite the region’s historical support for the NPP. She contrasted this with the current situation, where, according to her, the NPP has taken the Ashanti Region for granted, assuming the region’s loyalty based on its historical voting patterns rather than delivering on promises.

The Role of Women in Governance: Another critical factor in the traders’ support for John Mahama was his decision to select a female running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, in the 2020 elections. Nana Akosua Pokua emphasized that this choice resonated deeply with market women, as it symbolized a recognition of the value of women in governance and leadership. She stated that Mahama’s acknowledgment of women’s importance in the political space was a key reason for their endorsement.

Public Apology to John Mahama: In a striking moment, the Queen Mother and her colleagues publicly apologized to Mahama for previously voting for the NPP. She explained that, for many market women in the Ashanti Region, the NPP had historically been the default political choice due to the region’s deep-rooted loyalty to the party. However, she admitted that in their loyalty, they had overlooked the significant infrastructure and development projects carried out by Mahama’s government. The apology can be seen as a symbolic gesture of repentance and a call for reconciliation with the NDC.

Dissatisfaction with Current Market Conditions: The traders also expressed frustration with the current economic and business conditions under the NPP. They particularly lamented the mismanagement of the Kejetia Market, which they claim has been taken over by outsiders, leaving many local market women struggling to find spaces to operate. The Queen Mother’s comments suggest that this dissatisfaction is widespread among market vendors, who are grappling with difficult business environments under the current administration.

A Collective Shift in Political Sentiment: The declaration of support for John Mahama by the market women is not just a personal statement by the Queen Mother; it reflects the collective sentiment of traders in Kumasi Central Market. This public shift, coupled with their strong endorsement of Mahama and the NDC, could have far-reaching implications for future elections, particularly in the Ashanti Region. The region has been a crucial voter base for the NPP, and any significant loss of support here could affect the party’s chances in national elections.

Implications for the NPP and NDC

The endorsement of John Mahama by the Kumasi Central Market Queen Mother and the market women is a clear indication that the NPP’s dominance in the Ashanti Region may no longer be as secure as it once was. The Ashanti Region, known for delivering overwhelming support to the NPP in past elections, could witness a shift in political allegiances if more groups and communities express similar dissatisfaction with the ruling party.

For the NPP, this development serves as a wake-up call, highlighting the need to address the concerns of the electorate in their traditional strongholds. It underscores the importance of fulfilling campaign promises and delivering on development projects to maintain voter confidence. The party’s ability to regain the trust of the disenchanted traders and market women could be crucial in upcoming elections.

For the NDC, the endorsement is a significant boost. Mahama’s focus on infrastructure development during his presidency, along with his decision to elevate women in leadership roles, has evidently resonated with key voter groups in the Ashanti Region. The public apology from the traders further strengthened Mahama’s position as a leader who was being re-embraced by a region that had previously leaned toward the NPP.

The public declaration of support for John Mahama by the Queen Mother of Kumasi Central Market and her fellow traders is a notable shift in Ghanaian politics, particularly in the Ashanti Region. Their dissatisfaction with the NPP and their praise for the achievements of the NDC under Mahama’s leadership indicate a rethinking of political loyalty in one of the country’s most important electoral regions. If this sentiment is widely shared, it could significantly influence future elections and reshape the political landscape in Ghana.