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In a major political development in the Ashanti Region, over 200 members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have announced their defection to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), citing widespread neglect and unfulfilled promises by the ruling government. The announcement was made at a press conference at the Suame Magazine, a vibrant industrial hub in Kumasi, where the group expressed their disillusionment with the NPP leadership.
The group, led by Mohammed Issa Ababio, revealed that their decision to abandon the NPP came after years of perceived disregard by the party, especially after its victory in the 2020 general elections. Ababio, who spoke on behalf of the defectors, voiced frustration with the NPP’s failure to address their needs, despite their significant role in securing the party’s success in the last election.
“We feel deceived and neglected,” Ababio said. “After helping the NPP secure a second term for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, we expected the party to prioritize our welfare. However, since 2020, the party has ignored us. We have been left out, and our voices have not been heard by the leadership. We can no longer place our trust in them.”
The group, many of whom have been loyal supporters of the NPP, expressed their deep disappointment with the party’s disregard for grassroots members who played a pivotal role in its electoral victories. They accused the party executives of being out of touch with the needs of their supporters in the Ashanti Region, a stronghold of the NPP.
Ababio continued, “We have worked hard for the party to break the eight (8), but instead of being acknowledged, we were sidelined. Our contributions have not been recognized, and the promises made to us have not been kept.”
The announcement sparked celebrations among NDC supporters in the area, who see the defection as a major gain in the lead-up to the 2024 elections. The NDC is working hard to make inroads into the Ashanti Region, traditionally known for its strong allegiance to the NPP. The defectors’ move is likely to bolster the NDC’s chances as they seek to tap into the growing dissatisfaction with the current administration.
The defection also signals growing discontent within the ranks of the NPP, as some members increasingly feel alienated from the leadership. In the face of rising political tension and competition in the lead-up to next year’s elections, the NPP will need to respond to these grievances and unite its supporters to maintain its dominance in the Ashanti Region.
As the political climate heats up, both the NPP and NDC will intensify their efforts to gain and retain the support of critical constituencies, especially in regions like Ashanti where party loyalty runs deep. The coming months will undoubtedly see more realignments and defections as party members seek assurances of better representation and an improved future.
