Traders at the Sukura market in the Ablekuma Central constituency have voiced their discontent with the current government, threatening to vote against the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December 7 general elections.
Their grievances, they say, stem from the ever-increasing cost of living and skyrocketing prices of essential goods, which have made it nearly impossible for them to sustain a decent standard of living.
In an interaction on Community Forum on Channel One TV on Thursday, December 5, the traders expressed their frustrations to host Philip Nii Lartey.
Comparing the performance of the NPP government to that of its main opposition, the National Democratic Congress (NDC), many of the traders stressed that they had been left disappointed by unfulfilled promises and lack of development.
Some even hinted at boycotting Saturday’s polls altogether, while others vowed to vote against the NPP in favour of the NDC.
Rose Nartey, a trader who sells smoked fish, painted a grim picture of her daily struggles. According to her, the rising cost of goods has placed an unbearable burden on her livelihood, leaving her unable to maintain a decent lifestyle.
She accused the government of failing to deliver on its promise to rebuild the Sukura Market, a pledge she says had raised hopes among traders but ultimately left them disillusioned.
“We are voting for change because the cost of living is very high and we can no longer afford to live a decent life. The government promised to rebuild Sukura market for us, but they did not do it and we will vote against them.
“We believe that when the NDC comes back, they will rebuild the market because we have not seen any development under this government because we were hoping that they would rebuild it, which they did not.”
Patience Odamatey, another trader, echoed similar sentiments. She described the current administration as one that has failed to deliver tangible benefits to the people, particularly those in the constituency.
Her frustrations have led her to decide against participating in this year’s elections altogether.
“We have not seen anything positive this government has done and things are not moving well and I am not going to waste time to vote this year.”
Ami Ativi, a maize seller who has spent her entire life in the constituency, lamented how the soaring prices of goods have directly impacted her business.
“I was born and raised in this constituency, and the former NDC MP did a lot, and Dan Latif is also doing well. I sell maize here, and things are very high now, and that has affected prices over here, and that has slowed our businesses.”
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