Volta Region not political pawn - Group criticises Shamima Muslim

The Volta Resistance Movement (VRM) has strongly condemned recent remarks made by Shamima Muslim, a member of John Dramani Mahama's campaign team, regarding the voting patterns of the Volta Region.

Shamima’s statement, in which she urged the people of the Volta Region to regard the National Democratic Congress (NDC) as their “heritage and inheritance,” has sparked widespread discontent among Voltarians.

In a statement released by the VRM, spokesperson Delanyo Agbe described Shamima Muslim’s comments as "abusive and condescending," accusing her of attempting to manipulate the people of the Volta Region for her personal political gain.

“The Volta Region’s loyalty to any political party is not an entitlement, and it should never be exploited without delivering the development that our people deserve,” Agbe stated.

The VRM further criticised Shamima Muslim, suggesting that her remarks reflect a dismissive attitude toward the legitimate concerns of the region.

The group also alleged that Shamima, who is reportedly in line for a ministerial appointment should John Mahama win, is using the Volta Region as a stepping stone for her ambitions, all while perpetuating the notion that the region is merely a "slave territory" for the NDC.

The statement emphasized that the Volta Region is not only interested in casting votes but is deeply committed to seeing real and sustainable development.

The VRM cautioned all political actors, especially those not native to the Volta Region, to refrain from making derogatory statements or attempting to coerce the region's electorate for personal or political gain.

Read the full statement below:

Condemnation of Shamima Muslim’s Remarks on Voting in the Volta Region:

The Volta Resistance Movement (VRM) strongly condemns the recent comments made by Shamima Muslim, a member of John Mahama's campaign team, directed at the people of the Volta Region. Her statement, “The NDC is your heritage and inheritance, don’t be deceived, guard it for resounding victory on December 7,” is not only condescending but also deeply offensive to the intelligence and dignity of Voltarians.

We reject the notion that the Volta Region's loyalty is owed to any political party without regard to the tangible development and progress of our communities. The people of the Volta Region have long supported the NDC, yet the promised development and progress remain unfulfilled. The VRM emphasizes that our region’s votes should not be taken for granted or treated as a mere means to political ends. We expect real, sustained, and meaningful development in return for our support.

We find Shamima Muslim’s comments particularly insulting and dismissive of the legitimate concerns of Voltarians who are seeking genuine progress rather than empty promises. Her remarks suggest a deeply abusive and condescending attitude from someone who has no roots in our region but seeks to dictate our political choices for personal gain. It is reported that she has been promised a ministerial position should John Mahama win, and it seems she believes she can ride on the back of our votes to achieve her ambitions while continuing to treat the Volta Region as a pawn in a political game.

The Volta Resistance Movement remains steadfast in its commitment to the development of the Volta Region. We are the guardians of our own destiny and will fiercely protect the interests of our people against those who seek to exploit us. We urge the NDC and other political entities to recognize that the Volta Region is not simply a vote bank but a vibrant community deserving of respect and development.

We caution all political actors, especially those who are not from the Volta Region, to refrain from making disparaging remarks or attempts to manipulate our people for their own gain. Our loyalty is to the progress and prosperity of the Volta Region, and we will not be swayed by rhetoric that undermines our dignity or sacrifices our interests for political expedience.

The Volta Resistance Movement will continue to advocate for the rights and development of the Volta Region and will hold accountable those who seek to use and discard our people after elections. We call on all citizens of the Volta Region to remain vigilant and discerning in their political choices, prioritizing the true advancement of our region above all else.