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Traders at the Racecourse Market in Kumasi have reaffirmed their unwavering support for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), rejecting an apology made to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer, John Dramani Mahama. The apology, delivered by Nana Akosua Pokuah, Ahweniehemaa Abediakyere, during the NDC Women’s Manifesto launch at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) on Monday, September 30, 2024, sought forgiveness for traders’ past electoral decisions and expressed dissatisfaction with the NPP government.
In the speech of Nana Akosua Pokuah cited what she described as broken promises by the NPP and praised Mahama for his developmental projects in Kumasi during his presidency. She highlighted the construction of market centers as a major benefit to the trading community. “We regret the decisions we made in the past and ask for your forgiveness. We now realize the impact of the developments you brought to Kumasi, and we pledge our support going forward,” Nana Pokuah stated.
However, traders at the Racecourse Market, one of Kumasi’s largest and most important trading hubs, were quick to distance themselves from these remarks. In a press conference held on Tuesday, October 2, 2024, Mr. Baffour Gyau, spokesperson for Nana Kyeiwaa, Queen Mother of Bantama, Suame, and Racecourse Market, rejected the apology and reaffirmed their strong support for the NPP government.
“We have not regretted voting for the NPP government,” Mr. Baffour Gyau declared. “We are distancing ourselves from any formal apology to John Dramani Mahama. The NPP government has done a lot for traders here at the Racecourse Market, and we continue to benefit from their policies and initiatives.”
He highlighted the significant developments initiated by the NPP government at the Racecourse Market, including the construction of new market sheds and improved road infrastructure. According to Mr. Gyau, these projects have made a meaningful impact on the day-to-day operations of traders, creating a more conducive environment for business.
“The NPP government has shown its commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of traders. The construction of market sheds and improvements to roads leading to the market have greatly facilitated our work,” Mr. Gyau noted. “We have no reason to regret our decision to support the NPP.”
The traders also expressed their gratitude for key government policies such as Free Senior High School (SHS) education and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), which have had a positive impact on their families and businesses.
Some traders at Racecourse Market, commended the Free SHS program, which has provided relief to them and many others. “The Free SHS policy has been a huge relief for us. We can now educate our children without struggling to pay school fees, allowing us to focus more on our businesses,” they stated.
They praised the NHIS for making healthcare more accessible to traders and their families. “Thanks to the NHIS, we can access healthcare without worrying about high medical bills. It’s one of the best policies we’ve enjoyed under the NPP,” they added.
In addition, Mr. Gyau acknowledged the support traders received from the Chief of Staff, Madam Frema Osei Opare, when a fire disaster struck the Racecourse Market. He credited her swift intervention and assistance in helping traders recover their lost items and return to business. He also noted the Chief of Staff’s role in improving the tarring of the market floor, which had made trading easier and more efficient.
The traders’ association at Racecourse Market stressed that their support for the NPP remains strong, with no regrets over their past electoral decisions. They affirmed that the party’s policies have significantly improved both their business operations and personal lives. As the country prepares for the 2024 general elections, the traders reiterated their loyalty to the NPP and their confidence in its leadership.
As political campaigns heat up ahead of the elections, Kumasi a key NPP stronghold remains a battleground for both the NPP and NDC. The reaffirmation of support from Racecourse Market traders indicates that despite the efforts by the NDC to court voters in the region, the NPP maintains a strong base in Kumasi’s trading community.
With the traders’ continued backing in this critical region, the NPP may find encouragement in their loyalty and look to capitalize on this support as they push for victory in the 2024 general elections.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
