NPP Will Sweep Gt. Accra – Ampong

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is well positioned to cause a major political upset in the Greater Accra Region, come Election 2012, by winning far more seats than it did in previous elections. Currently, the NPP holds only 9 out of the 27 parliamentary seats in the Greater Accra Region, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) managing the other 18.

Speaking on Multi TV’s current affairs programme Minority Caucus, Greater Accra Regional Communications Director, Mike Ampong said the NDC was able to win seats in the Greater Accra Region by efficiently peddling lies about members of the NPP. He recalled how then NDC parliamentary candidates like Nii Amasah Namoale who is now the Deputy Minister of Agriculture in Charge of Fisheries would lead some youth leaders in his constituency to a number of government bungalows and identify them as belonging to President Kufuor and his appointees. “Those days, these NDC parliamentary candidates promised their people that if voted into office, they will take back these buildings and lands, and give them back to the natives. Today, NDC appointees are occupying these bungalows, so what are they going back to tell their people” he quizzed.

According to Mr. Ampong, the NDC since assuming office, has persistently exhibited gross disrespect and total disregard for traditional and chieftaincy issues in the Greater Accra Region, a factor which will weigh heavily, against them in the up-coming elections. He cited the virtual harassment of the Ga King, King Tackie Tawiah with frivolous law suits and the smearing of the Ga Mantse Palace with human excreta, by elements within the NDC. He particularly condemned the refusal of President Atta Mills and the NDC to recognize the Ga traditional prayers at state functions such as the Independence Day celebrations, which are ironically held on Ga lands.

Another area of concern which according to the NPP Regional Communications Director, has been virtually neglected by the Mills-Mahama led NDC administration is the welfare of the fisher folk in the region. Despite the salivating promises President Mills made to the Fishing community, including providing them with premix fuel, outboard motors at heavily subsidized prices, the situation today is the direct opposite. Whilst the price of premix fuel has risen to an all-time high, prices of outboard motors have skyrocketed from GH¢2500 in 2008 to about GH¢8500 today, a situation which has led to a number of demonstrations by members of the fishing community against the Mills-led government. Even the pre-mix depot just behind the Osu Castle experiences regular shortage, to the chagrin of the fishermen there

Mr. Ampong expressed his confidence in the NPP’s ability to win at least 20 of the 27 seats in the Greater Accra Region. Describing the region as the biggest cosmopolitan swing region, He explained that it is quite immune to tribal sentiments as basis for making electoral decisions. According to him the number of radio stations or newspapers that a political party wields influence over will have little impact on the outcome of the elections as the people of the region are well informed as to what President Mills promised them, and what he has been able to deliver so far. “ When you promise to provide the people with social amenities, and these social amenities are never made available to the people, then no matter the propaganda you do, they will not vote for you; simple”, he said.