Market women at Kumasi Central Market have expressed their dissatisfaction with recent comments made by New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer aspirant, Kennedy Agyapong.
They perceive his remarks as being tribal and not in line with the NPP’s principles.
The Assin Central Member of Parliament (MP), Kennedy Agyapong, sparked controversy when he voiced concerns about a potential all-northern contest in the 2024 election, urging the NPP to avoid such a scenario.
Addressing the press on Monday, October 2, the market women, who identified themselves as NPP members, firmly rejected Mr Agyapong’s comments, emphasizing that the NPP is not a tribal party.
One of the market women stated, “we have been observing what Kennedy has been saying lately, the tribal comments he has been making,” said one of the market women, who was surrounded by her colleagues.
She continued, “recently, he said during an interview abroad that Mahama is a Northerner and others too are northerners, so we should not elect Bawumia, and that the NPP should elect an Akan. But we want to tell him that the NPP is not for Akans. The NPP is a national party for all Ghanaians.”
The women emphasized that the NPP should select its leader and presidential candidate based on competence and qualifications, rather than regional or tribal considerations. They expressed their support for Dr. Bawumia, stating that he has proven himself to be the best candidate for the job.
“It is all about who is the best to lead, who is competent, and who can do the job,” they asserted. “For us here in Kumasi Central Market, we have been discussing amongst ourselves and with the people who patronize our products. What we are saying is that without Bawumia, we won’t vote. No Bawumia, no vote.”
As loyal NPP members, the market women stressed their desire to see Dr. Bawumia elected as the party’s candidate and urged the party’s decision-makers to consider their appeal.
“It is all about who is the best to lead. Who is competent and who can do the job. For us here in Kumasi Central Market, we have been discussing amongst ourselves and with the people who patronise our products. What we are saying is that without Bawumia, we won’t vote. No Bawumia, no vote.
“We are NPP people here in this market and we also want to break the 8. So we have consulted widely within us and from those who patronise our goods. Anyone you ask, they say Bawumia so we are sending a special appeal to the kingmakers to elect Bawumia.”