By Samuel Yaokumah
Akropong-Akuapem (E/R), Dec. 11, GNA – The recent presidential and parliamentary election results have ignited discussions among residents of Akropong-Akuapem, showcasing a wide range of opinions on the potential impact on Ghana’s future governance.
While some residents celebrated with the victors, believing that their leadership will bring much-needed development; others expressed skepticism, fearing that their voices may not be adequately represented in the new administration.
These sentiments were expressed during a public opinion poll conducted by the Ghana News Agency in Akropong-Akuapem in the Akuapem North Constituency to gauge residents’ views and opinions regarding the outcome of the December 7 General Election.
Mr Daniel Awere, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Constituency Chairman, expressed satisfaction with the election processes, saying they unfolded as he had anticipated.
He noted that the election was free, fair, and transparent and that the constituency was not known for electoral violence and expressed confidence that the atmosphere would remain calm and peaceful.
Mr Awere acknowledged that the NDC was not expected to win the constituency and said he was proud at the party’s performance, adding: “The people of the constituency, as well as those across Ghana, have made their voices heard.”
In the constituency President-elect John Dramani Mahama polled 16,422 votes compared to 25,094 votes for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia of the ruling New Patriotic Party.
He recounted that the constituency had been for the NDC until General Akuffo’s death during the 1979 coup d’etat, which culminated in the people crossing carpet to the NPP.
He pointed out that a number of factors such as implementation of the E-levy, galamsey menace, and over borrowing militated against the NPP’s chances.
“The people can no longer be taken for granted; pride, prejudice and arrogance of some government officials caused the downfall of the NPP,” he said.
Mr Patrick Amponsah, the youth organizer of the NPP, attributed the heavy loss the Party suffered to the apathy of the supporters, most of whom did not turn out to vote.
He said inflation was on the increase, because of the coronavirus outbreak in 2020 and the Ukraine/Russia impasse, coupled with the galloping exchange rate against the depreciating cedi.
“Look, in Ghana, after eight years, a party loses its sparkle, or the people are simply fed up with a familiar government all these years,” he added.
Mr Adu Boahen, who works at the Urban Roads Department of the Assembly, said Ghana had made history because that was uhe first time an opposition party had beaten an incumbent with such a huge margin in an election.
“It is also first time a female running-mate was assuming office as the Vice President.”
He applauded Dr Bawumia for conceding defeat at the right time when tension seemed to be brewing in several parts of the country, while commending the NDC for bridging the voting gap between it and the NPP in the presidential election.
Ms Lititia Nkrumah, a young auditor, said the victory of the NDC was a change the people wanted, which was a testament to show the people’s displeasure for being taken for granted.
“The outgoing government officials were power-drunk and arrogant,’ she said, and admonished political parties to disabuse their minds of relying on their strongholds to win elections.
“If a party fails to honour the wishes of their people, then it would be disappointed when it comes to renewing its mandate.”
She urged the new government to boost micro and macro enterprises and create an enabling environment for the youth to go into agriculture through modern greenhouse technology.
Mr Emmanuel Kubila, a designer, did not mince words when he said the die was cast long before the election.
He said the people faced too much hardship, even though the government had done well in several areas.
He advised the NDC not abandon the projects initiated by the previous government but leverage on its successes to achieve value for money.
He pointed out that the chieftaincy issues that had plagued the area for some time now played a key role in discouraging some electorates from shying away from the polls.
Mr Kwaku Agyeman Amankwa, a graphic designer, said though it did not go well for him as an NPP activist, he felt the will of the people must be respected.
He said Ghana belonged to all the citizenry and what mattered most was the peace of the country.
He commended Dr Bawumia for showing maturity in conceding defeat that early, describing the gesture as a mark of humility and respect.
Mr Baffour Akoto, a teacher, noted that the election was credible and touted Dr Bawumia as a true democrat.
He pointed out that only visionary leaders and those who truly love their country could concede defeat in such a manner.
He urged the NDC government to remember that Ghanaians voted the party into office based on its promises to the people, adding: “voters are now discerning, smart, and observant.”
A banker, Meshack Adjei, noted that no party was capable of winning power for three or four consecutive terms in Ghana, adding that the second term of the outgoing government did not help cause.
Therefore, he advised the NDC government to try to continue from where the NPP left off, saying: “President Mahama has limited time. It will be to his advantage if he grabbed the bull by the horn and worked faster.”
GNA