NPP Running Mate Labels Ashanti Region NDC Voters as Nation Wreckers

NPP Running Mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the running mate for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) and current Minister of Energy, has stirred controversy with his remarks labeling supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region as “nation-wreckers.”

Speaking to a crowd of enthusiastic NPP supporters during a health walk organized by the Manhyia South constituency in Kumasi, Dr. Prempeh the NPP Running Mate, popularly known as “Napo,” issued a scathing critique of the NDC’s historical neglect of the Ashanti Region.

The health walk, which saw hundreds of NPP supporters marching through the streets of Kumasi, was part of the party’s efforts to galvanize its base ahead of the December 2024 general elections. The NPP Running Mate took the opportunity to energize the crowd by reiterating the NPP’s commitment to securing 85% of votes in the region, a crucial stronghold for the party. However, it was his strong language aimed at NDC supporters that sparked debate and raised questions about the tone of political discourse in the lead-up to the election.

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The Ashanti Region: A Political Battleground

The Ashanti Region is widely recognized as the NPP’s political heartland. Historically, the region has delivered significant electoral victories for the party in every election cycle since the advent of Ghana’s Fourth Republic. The NPP’s dominance in the region is often cited as a major factor in their overall national success, given that the region is one of the most populous in the country and consistently provides a substantial portion of the party’s total votes.

For the NPP, maintaining its hold on the Ashanti Region is not just a strategic priority but an electoral necessity. In the 2020 elections, the NPP garnered over 70% of the votes in the region, and the party’s leadership has set an ambitious target of securing at least 85% in the upcoming December 2024 polls. Against this backdrop, Dr. Prempeh’s comments reflect the party’s determination to ward off any potential inroads by the NDC in the region.

Napo’s Criticism of the NDC

In his address to the crowd, Dr. Prempeh expressed frustration with any individuals in the Ashanti Region who would consider voting for the NDC, characterizing them as working against the progress of the nation. He emphasized that the NDC has consistently neglected the Ashanti Region during its periods in government, offering little in terms of development and infrastructure compared to what the NPP has provided.

“The NDC has no respect for the Ashanti Region, and they have shown it time and time again. Anyone who votes for the NDC in this region is betraying the interests of our people. They are nation-wreckers, and we must not allow them to mislead us,” The NPP Running Mate declared to the applause of the crowd.

He also accused the NDC of failing to recognize the contributions of the Ashanti Region to Ghana’s political and economic landscape. According to the NPP Running Mate, the NDC’s policies and governance record have left the region behind, and only the NPP has demonstrated a commitment to uplifting the region and its people. He urged the supporters gathered at the health walk to remain loyal to the NPP and to work tirelessly to deliver a resounding victory for the party in December.

Promises for the Ashanti Region

Dr. Prempeh, the NPP Running Mate did not stop at criticizing the NDC but also highlighted the NPP’s achievements in the Ashanti Region, focusing on key infrastructural projects and social interventions that he believes have improved the lives of people in the region. He cited roads, healthcare facilities, and educational improvements as examples of the NPP’s dedication to the region’s development.

“The NPP has always been committed to the welfare of the Ashanti Region. Look at the roads, the hospitals, and the schools that we have built. We are a party that delivers, and we will continue to do more if we are given another mandate in 2024,” he said.

Dr. Prempeh also promised more developmental projects should the NPP retain power, reassuring the people of Ashanti that their region would continue to receive priority attention from the government. He emphasized that the NPP’s track record of governance should be enough to earn the trust of the region’s electorate once again.

A Divisive Remark?

Despite the cheers from the crowd, the NPP Running Mate, Dr. Prempeh’s labeling of NDC supporters as “nation-wreckers” has drawn criticism from some quarters. Political analysts and civil society groups have expressed concerns that such rhetoric only serves to deepen political polarization in the country. While political parties routinely criticize each other during election campaigns, the use of such charged language can escalate tensions and contribute to an atmosphere of division.

Some critics argue that rather than attacking voters for their political choices, politicians should focus on presenting policies and solutions that address the concerns of the electorate. Others worry that divisive language can discourage national unity and make it more difficult for Ghanaians to come together on important national issues, regardless of political affiliation.

Dr. Prempeh’s remarks at the Manhyia South health walk reflect the high stakes of the upcoming general election, particularly in the Ashanti Region, where both the NPP and NDC are vying for influence. For the NPP, securing a large majority in the region is crucial to their overall electoral strategy, and Dr. Prempeh’s strong words were likely intended to rally the party’s base.

However, his characterization of NDC voters as “nation-wreckers” risks alienating segments of the electorate and contributing to an already tense political environment. As the December election draws closer, both the NPP and NDC will need to navigate the fine line between energizing their supporters and ensuring that political discourse remains constructive and focused on the issues that matter most to Ghanaians.