The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has expressed skepticism about the National Democratic Congress's (NDC) goal of securing 40% of votes in the Ashanti region during the 2028 general elections. According to Nelson Owusu Ansah, NPP's Director of Training, the target is unattainable. He argued that the Ashanti region remains a stronghold of the NPP.
Johnson Asiedu Nketia, National Chairman of the NDC, had stated that the party aims to increase its votes from 33.36% in the 2024 presidential election to 40% in the Ashanti region. He noted that achieving this margin would help the NDC consolidate its power. However, Owusu Ansah described this goal as a "mere dream" during an interview on Nhyira FM's Kuro Yi Mu Nsem program.
The NPP's poor performance in the Ashanti region during the 2024 elections has been attributed to voter apathy, internal conflicts, and complacency among party supporters. Owusu Ansah acknowledged that the party suffered its worst electoral setback in the region but emphasized that this was a one-time occurrence. He expressed confidence that the NPP has learned from its mistakes and is taking steps to prevent similar setbacks.
The NPP is currently undertaking a massive reorganization effort in the Ashanti region to re-energize its base. Owusu Ansah revealed that the party's regional leadership is working behind the scenes to reconnect with grassroots supporters, resolve internal disputes, and strengthen polling station structures. This effort aims to ensure maximum voter turnout in 2028.
Owusu Ansah attributed the NPP's poor showing in 2024 to a lack of engagement with its base and internal wrangling. However, he emphasized that lessons have been learned, and the party is taking steps to address these issues. The NPP's goal is to not only maintain its dominance in the Ashanti region but also to close loopholes that allowed the NDC to make significant gains in 2024.
The NDC's efforts to increase its vote share in the Ashanti region have been seen as a key strategy to consolidate its power. However, the NPP remains confident that it will maintain its stronghold in the region. Owusu Ansah dismissed the NDC's 40% target, stating that it is unrealistic and that the NPP will come back stronger in 2028.
The 2028 general elections in Ghana are expected to be highly competitive, with both the NPP and NDC vying for votes. The Ashanti region, a stronghold of the NPP, will be a key battleground. The NPP's efforts to re-energize its base and address internal issues will likely play a crucial role in determining the election's outcome.
Key points
- NPP dismisses NDC's 40% vote target in Ashanti region as unattainable.
- NDC aims to increase votes in Ashanti region to 40% by 2028.
- NPP attributes poor 2024 performance in Ashanti region to voter apathy and internal conflicts.
