Former President John Dramani Mahama, flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), was warmly welcomed as he commenced his campaign tour of the Upper West Region. On his first day, he visited key constituencies, including Wechau in Wa West, Goripie in Wa East, Daffiama in DBI, and Charia and Kpongu in Wa Central. Mahama expressed deep gratitude to the people of the Upper West for their unwavering support and hospitality, emphasizing that their loyalty to the NDC has always been a source of strength.
In his address to enthusiastic crowds, Mahama reflected on the challenges facing the region under the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. He expressed disappointment in the NPP’s governance, particularly its failure to deliver on promises related to economic development, infrastructure, education, and employment. According to Mahama, the people of Upper West have been left behind, as the NPP has not addressed their fundamental needs.
He stated unequivocally, “The NPP has failed the good people of the Upper West region.” Citing critical sectors such as the economy, infrastructure development, education, and employment, Mahama argued that the NPP’s administration has neglected these areas, leaving the region in a state of stagnation. He symbolically remarked, “The elephant belongs to the forest and must return there,” alluding to the NPP’s emblem and urging constituents to vote them out in the next election.
Mahama didn’t just critique the NPP’s performance; he also outlined his vision for the future, assuring the people that his next government would focus on reversing the region’s decline. A central part of his message was the promise to complete all the abandoned projects that were left unfinished by the current administration. He emphasized that development is a continuous process, and the abrupt halt in projects, especially those beneficial to rural communities, is a disservice to the people.
The former president took aim at the NPP’s economic mismanagement, pointing out the rising cost of living and lack of opportunities in the region. He noted that under the current government, many young people in the Upper West have been left unemployed, and vital public services like education and healthcare have suffered from poor investment.
Mahama’s critique of the NPP extended to infrastructure as well, where he described the dilapidated roads and abandoned public projects as visible symbols of the NPP’s neglect. He assured voters that the NDC has a plan to revitalize these sectors and deliver meaningful, people-centered development. Mahama’s speech resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom have felt the brunt of the economic and infrastructural decay over the past years.
In his concluding remarks, Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to rebuilding trust between the government and the people of the Upper West, stating, “We need a government that will work for everyone, not just a select few. A government that will listen to your concerns and deliver real, lasting development.” His promise to restore progress in the region was met with resounding applause, setting the tone for the rest of his tour in the Upper West.
With confidence in his campaign and a clear focus on addressing the needs of the region, Mahama’s visit marks the beginning of a concerted effort to regain the trust of voters in the Upper West. He called on the people to support him and the NDC in the upcoming elections, assuring them that under his leadership, the region will see a transformation that has long been overdue.
Filed by: Saani Abacha