Political historian from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Professor Samuel Adu-Gyamfi, has urged the Ashanti Region to assert itself and demand a more equitable share of development from politicians.
He emphasised that it is crucial for the region not to allow itself to be overlooked any longer.
Additionally, he encouraged residents to actively participate in protests, demonstrations, and open dialogues to articulate their demands for fair and balanced development.
“This does not bring development because politics and governance must be tied to development. It is not just about forming political parties, winning power, coming to drink tea and then having big rallies.
“It is not about because we are Asante, or we are this and therefore, we must vote for the NPP. That’s absolutely nonsensical. The region needs development.
“It is lagging behind in many things—roads, poor infrastructure and all that—and the NPP must be blamed because they were supposed to have translated the votes of the NPP into development.
“They have taken the people for granted. They feel that rain or shine, they will queue and vote for them as a party,” he added.
He expressed his reservations regarding the perceived neglect of the region by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), even though the Ashanti Region has historically been a stronghold for the party.
“They have been loyal and consistent in delivering the vote for the NPP, but they have not specifically tied that to development, and they have not made such demands openly and frankly to the NPP as a party.
“They must insist on that this time around and make sure that when the NPP per adventure comes to power and they refuse to deliver, they are penalized accordingly.
“If they do not begin to show them red cards and yellow cards, they are always giving them the green card to allow them to have the potential to come to power,” citinewsroom.com quoted him as saying.
He added, “Nana Akufo-Addo went into how many elections before he became president? Three times. The first time, when all other regions were oscillating left and right, Ashanti was consistent. The second time, Ashanti was consistent. The third time, Ashanti has become like the faithful wife to the NPP, even if they are playing the buffoonery.”
Professor Adu-Gyamfi suggested that the Ashanti Region should contemplate altering its voting patterns as a means of sending a strong message to the NPP government, urging them to place a higher priority on the region’s requirements.
He stressed that the region’s steadfast support for the NPP should be contingent on tangible development rather than mere party loyalty.