In a grand show of political strength and community support, the Central Region Caravan Tour kicked off with an enthusiastic reception in Elmina, KEEA Constituency.
The nationwide initiative, aimed at connecting with 5,000 communities across Ghana, saw Kwame Owusu Danso (KOD), Vice Presidential candidate of the Movement for Change/Afrafranto Alliance, returning to his hometown with an overwhelming outpouring of love from the people.
Although the caravan started later than planned, the people of Elmina patiently waited for hours to see their son and brother. Their patience paid off with a vibrant welcome. The delegation, despite the absence of the Chief of Bantuma, was warmly greeted by Nana Adjoa Kodua I, the Queen Mother of Bantuma. The streets were filled with cheers as hundreds escorted KOD and his team to the palace, marking a significant day in the community's political history.
At the Bantuma Palace, KOD humbly sought the blessings of his people, expressing gratitude for their warm reception. He acknowledged that his return was long overdue after being selected as the Vice Presidential candidate to H.E. Alan Kyerematen. “Since I was chosen, I knew I had to come back home to show my gratitude and ask for your prayers as I take on this important journey for Ghana,” he said, evoking strong emotions.
KOD didn't hold back in criticizing the NPP and NDC, calling their performance over the last 32 years a failure. “For 32 years, these two parties have failed us. Our economy has gone from bad to worse under the NDC and NPP, especially in the last 10 years, and this is unacceptable. It’s time for transformational leadership, and that’s why H. E. Alan Kyerematen and I are here to bring that change,” he stated to loud applause.
The Queen Mother and her elders listened keenly as KOD shared his vision for economic empowerment and social interventions for the people of Elmina. He assured them that his roots in the town would be central to his political mission and that, if elected, he would work tirelessly to bring development to the region.
Welcoming him back, the Queen Mother declared, “We are proud of you, Kwame. With you and Alan Kyerematen, Ghana will finally see the change it deserves.” She also advised KOD to remain humble and avoid politics of insults, urging him to uphold respect and dignity.
The caravan then proceeded to Abirem, where Nana Terpor V, Paramount Chief of the Abirem Traditional Area, greeted KOD with visible excitement over the message delivered at his palace. He welcomed the vision of the Movement for Change, urging KOD and his team to take their powerful message directly to the grassroots, where real change must happen. Nana Terpor also extended a special invitation to their upcoming festival in November, solidifying local support for the Movement’s cause.
As Day 1 of the Central Region Caravan Tour came to a close, it was clear that Kwame Owusu Danso had returned not just as a son of the land, but as a symbol of hope for the youth. The caravan, fueled by the people's energy, had ignited a movement for change that is poised to sweep through the nation.