As Ghana gears up for the December 7, 2024, general elections, the Ashanti and Volta regions are poised to play their usual pivotal roles in determining the outcome. These regions, traditionally strongholds for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) respectively, are critical battlegrounds that could sway the election results.
The Ashanti region: A stronghold for the NPP
The Ashanti Region, often referred to as the “heartland” of the NPP, has historically delivered significant votes for the party. In the 2020 elections, the NPP secured 1,795,824 votes, representing 74.14% of the total votes cast in the region. This dominance is crucial for the NPP’s strategy to “break the eight” and maintain power beyond two terms.
However, the NDC is intensifying its efforts to make inroads in the Ashanti Region. Former President John Dramani Mahama has been actively campaigning in the region, aiming to secure at least 30% of the votes. Political analysts suggest that if the NDC achieves this target, it could significantly impact the NPP’s chances of winning the national election.
The Volta region: The NDC’s “World Bank”
The Volta Region, known as the “World Bank” of the NDC, has consistently provided strong support for the party. In the 2020 elections, the NDC garnered substantial votes from this region, reinforcing its status as a key stronghold. The NDC’s campaign in the Volta Region focuses on addressing voter apathy and mobilizing supporters to turn out in large numbers.
Benjamin Kofi Quashie, Chair of the NDC’s South Africa Council of Elders, emphasized that a future Mahama government would prioritize unprecedented development in the Volta Region. This commitment aims to galvanize support and ensure a high voter turnout, which is crucial for the NDC’s success.
Strategic importance and campaign efforts
Both the NPP and NDC recognize the strategic importance of these regions and have ramped up their campaign activities. The NPP’s flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has spent considerable time campaigning across all 47 constituencies in the Ashanti Region, aiming to secure 85% of the votes. Meanwhile, the NDC’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and other party stalwarts have been engaging with communities in the Volta Region to bolster support.
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The heightened political activities in these regions underscore their significance in the upcoming elections. The Ashanti Region’s large voter population and the Volta Region’s loyal NDC base make them critical to the electoral strategies of both parties.
In conclusion, as the December 7 elections approach, the Ashanti and Volta regions will undoubtedly be decisive in determining the next government. The NPP’s efforts to maintain its dominance in the Ashanti Region and the NDC’s push to maximize votes in the Volta Region highlight the intense competition and importance of these two regions. The outcome in these regions could very well tip the scales in favour of either party.
