The Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) has launched its campaign with a call on party members to close their ranks, as it targets 85% of total votes cast in the region, come December 7, 2024.
Opening the event in Kumasi over the weekend, the General Secretary for the Party, Justin Frimpong Kodua, charged the Ashanti regional wing of the party to eschew complacency and work hard for the NPP to retain power in the upcoming general elections.
The General Secretary argued that in the midst of the economic challenges, NPP’s track records are unmatched and are better than their arch rival,the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking at the official launch of the Ashanti Regional Campaign Working Committee and Women’s Conference,which was held over the weekend at the Rattray Park,Denyame, in Kumasi, under the theme: “Consolidating The Unity in Ashanti to Break The 8,” Justin Kodua charged the women’s wing to buckle down and campaign for the NPP,ahead of the December 7,2024.
According to Kodua,unlike the NDC, in the middle of challenges, Ghana’s electricity is up and running,with public recruitment underway.
He added that nursing trainee allowance has not been cancelled.
Kodua therefore asked the supporters to talk to Ghanaians who are disappointed because the NPP has done significantly well.
“Those who are disappointed should be talked to. Let us let them know that if anything, the government has made school free,” he said.
Backing his claims with global antecedents,the party chief scribe underscored that hardship is being experienced across the globe,naming America and the United Kingdom as prime examples of jurisdictions battling economic challenges.
Chairman Bernard Antwi Bosiako, better known as Chairman Wontumi, opened his address by observing a one-minute silence in remembrance of the late NPP chairman for Nhyieaso, Geokad, and other fallen stalwarts of the NPP.
According to Wontumi,elections are won collectively, hence the reason why the Ashanti regional NPP have closed their ranks.
“We don’t win elections by individuals but collectively. That is why we are here to inaugurate the women wing committees,” Wontumi said.
Touching on the nomination of Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Wontumi told the function that the flag bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has enhancedthe image of the regionwith an energetic running mate, and made a declaration of 85% of total votes cast in the Ashanti region.
This target, Wontumi noted, must transcend in the 37 constituencies in Ashanti region, from polling stations to constituencies.
On her part, Chairperson of the Ashanti regional planning committee,Madam Patricia Appiagyei, explained that the involvement of women in the campaign symbolises the role of women.
Sharing her experience as a chairperson for the campaign team, Mad Appiagyei called for unity to retain power,adding that Ashanti region is the base of the party and without the region it would be difficult for NPP to win an election in Ghana.
In doing so, Patricia Appiagyei indicated that they have extended an olive branch to all and sundry, who are peeved to forgive and forget.
She implored the NPP members to forgive each other for a united front, ahead of the December elections.
“Let’s forgive ourselves. What is sinful to you might not be same to someone. Let us close our ranks and sell Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Matthew Opoku Prempeh,” she remarked.
In an admonition to the women, the national women’s organiser, Madam Kate Gyamfua, told the gathering that women play pivotal role in driving home the message of the NPP, owing to their marketing skills.
“Let Ghanaians know that NPP are the originators of FSHS and let Ghanaians know that they (NDC) never introduced FSHS.No party can develop Ghana than NPP. Let us do away with conflict and campaign for the party,” Kate Gyamfua said.
The Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Madam Akosua Frema Osei Opare, expressed her excitement about the event.
She asked the women to market the party, emphasising that the votes are in the churches,mosques, hairdressing saloons and mechanic shops among others.
According to her, there are lots of associations, some of which are not recognised in the NPP, but she however, implored the women to close their ranks everywhere they meet.
“Let us unite everywhere we see ourselves. Communicate effectively when we are visiting a constituency,” she stated.
Mad Frema Opare called for ‘operation win your polling station’.
The Running Mate for the NPP, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as Napo, noted that NPP is God’s own party.
According to him, Ashanti region is crucial to the survival of NPP and this is understandable in politics, because every political party has its stronghold.
Brimming with confidence, Napo announced that the party has targeted 85% of votes in Ashanti region and this achievable because Bawumia is leading the pack.
Denouncing assertions that Ashanti region will not vote for Bawumia and NPP, Napo rejected the claim, saying it is untrue.
“It is never true Ashanti region will not support NPP and Bawumia,” Napo stressed.