The Founder and Leader of the United Front Party (UFP), Dr. Nana Agyenim Boateng, has expressed strong disapproval of former President John Mahama’s campaign tour of the Ashanti Region.
He urged the people of Ashanti to remember the NDC’s past actions and to demand respect for the region’s contributions to Ghana’s political landscape.
“While we respect the democratic right of all political figures to engage with citizens, we must not forget the blatant disrespect shown to our region by Mr. Mahama and his party,” declared Dr. Boateng. “The NDC has repeatedly demonstrated a blatant disregard for Ashanti voters and their aspirations.”
In a statement by Dr. Agyenim Boateng, he highlighted several instances of what he described as the NDC’s disregard for the Ashanti Region, including Mahama’s infamous statement against Ashantis.
Read the full statement below
Good morning to you, our dear Ladies and Gentlemen of the inky fraternity. Let me express my profound gratitude and appreciation for honoring our invitation. We have invited you here this morning as a concerned political party to express our displeasure and disdain at the attitude of Former President John Mahama and his party, NDC, towards the people of the Ashanti Region.
While we respect the democratic rights of all political figures to engage with citizens, we urge electorates within the region to critically reflect on the implications of Former President Mahama and his party’s past records.
The NDC party continues to clearly demonstrate their strong aversion towards voters in this region and the people at large.
It is vital to remind our fellow Ashantis that during his tenure, Mr. Mahama made an infamous statement accusing people of this region of being a bunch of ingrates and that even if his government were to construct gold-laden roads, Ashantis would never appreciate it. As if that was not enough, Mr. Mahama again refused the wish and request by some prominent personalities in the region, including traditional authorities, to consider selecting a running mate from the region.
Former President Mahama did not only fail to accede to the request but also disrespected these prominent individuals by saying that the NDC as a party is not an extension of any traditional authority. This decision not only disregarded the aspirations of the Ashanti people but also indicated a lack of commitment to inclusivity and representation.
The region has historically contributed immensely to the NDC’s political fortunes, and its Ashanti leadership is deserving. As citizens of Ashanti, we must demand accountability and show that unity and respect for our region’s contributions are paramount. We should not tolerate attempts to engage with us while overlooking our rightful place in the political discourse of the NDC.
Again, we would like to remind the people of the Ashanti Region that the opposition National Democratic Congress has, by their actions and utterances, clearly indicated their intentions to victimize this region in terms of development in the unlikely event that they return to power.
As the former President begins his campaign tour in the region today, we urge market women, artisans, and all groups in the region not to tolerate him and his party for the gross disrespect they have shown and continue to exhibit towards our region.
We encourage all Ashantis to engage thoughtfully with political candidates and to hold them accountable for their past choices. Our region deserves leaders who genuinely value our representation and work towards our collective progress.
Together, let us ensure that our voices are heard and that we elect representatives who prioritize the needs and aspirations of the Ashanti region.