Zaare residents share mixed views on economy, jobs ahead of 2024 elections

Correspondence by Sarah Dubure, Upper East

With the 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections just two months away, GhanaWeb's Sarah Bandal Dubure hit the streets of Zaare, a suburb of Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region, to gauge residents' views on the performance of the current government and factors influencing their voting choices.

A septuagenarian, Mr. Baba, expressed frustration over the state of the economy, stating that his high hopes in the ruling government have been dashed.

"When the NPP came into power, we thought they would fulfill their promises, but now the economy is hard. They said we wouldn't go to the IMF, yet they're borrowing more, and we have nothing to show for it," he lamented.

Baba also noted that he is now unemployed, relying on staking lotto for sustenance.

Despite the hardships, he urged voters to participate peacefully in the upcoming elections and monitor the counting process from home.

Another resident, Mr. Nyaaba Asakiya Kajata, acknowledged the economic struggles but did not blame the NPP entirely. He praised the government's Free Education Policy, which has benefited his family.

"Thanks to the NPP, my daughter completed SHS. Free education is helping those of us who don’t have much," he stated. However, Kajata advised voters not to be swayed by claims of a quick fix to economic issues.

Mr. Atambila Nyabire, who runs a lottery kiosk, shared his disappointment with a government policy that has impacted his business.

"I voted for NPP in 2020, but their policies have ruined my work. I plan to change my vote in 2024 and hope a new president can bring better policies," he said, expressing support for the opposition NDC.

Similarly, Mr. John Akolbire, a longtime NPP supporter, said he will switch to the NDC this election cycle after years of unfulfilled promises.

"I followed NPP for years but gained nothing. This time, my family and I will vote for the NDC," Akolbire remarked.

All interviewees emphasized the need for peace during the elections, urging their fellow residents to vote carefully and avoid conflict on election day.

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