With a few weeks left until the December elections, political parties are ramping up campaigns across key communities in the Ashanti Region, seeking to sway voters in a region that plays a critical role in Ghana’s political landscape.
Known for its historical, cultural, and political significance, the Ashanti Region has 43 administrative districts and 47 constituencies, traditionally serving as a stronghold for the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The party continues to dominate major constituencies like Bantama, Asokwa, Kwadaso, Kwabre East, Suame, and Bekwai.
Confident in their support base, NPP representatives express optimism about securing even more votes in the Ashanti Region this December.
Concerns about road infrastructure and stalled projects have raised fears of potential voter apathy in the region. While acknowledging some gaps in its delivery, the NPP defends its record of bringing development to the area and remains confident in its stronghold.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), while more discreet about its strategies, is focused on gaining additional parliamentary seats beyond the four it currently holds.
This year, new political movements are also challenging the dominance of both the NPP and NDC in the Ashanti Region. The New Force, led by entrepreneur Nana Kwame Bediako (popularly known as Cheddar), and the Movement for Change, led by former NPP member Alan Kyerematen, are making concerted efforts to penetrate the region.
Political historian Professor Adu Gyamfi of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology casts doubt on the NPP’s target of securing 85% of votes in the region, calling it “unscientific.”
However, he suggests that the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, could have an advantage in the event of a runoff.
“85%, it will never be possible unless there are some machinations behind the scenes. It will be totally unscientific. This M4C will take something away from the NPP. Again, it is even further contemplated and anticipated that the New Force will take something from the NPP and also from the NDC.”
“And I am sure that the NDC is not assuming that they have won the elections because we are in the eighth year. They must roll their sleeves and ensure that these few days they cross their Ts and dot their Is. I tell you this: if Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia is able to push this to a runoff, he is likely to win and become the next president. The NDC should not assume that it is winning,” he said.
With the Ashanti Region’s pivotal role in previous election outcomes, the stakes are high as major parties and new political forces focus resources on this key area, hoping to secure substantial gains in this year’s election.
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