Ghana’s ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) has issued a bold challenge to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to present its development record in Zongo communities since 1992, claiming the opposition party has no substantial achievements to showcase.
Speaking at the launch of the Zongo Gaskiya Forum, Hon Ben Abdallah Banda, representing Vice President Dr Mahmud Bawumia, delivered a striking critique of the NDC’s relationship with Zongo communities, calling the opposition out on the tangible benefits it has given to the Zongos.
“We wanna challenge the NDC that they should also account to Zongo stakeholders what their achievements have been from the year 1992 till now,” Banda declared, adding, “I don’t think that they will have that temerity, audacity, that boldness, that courage to do that because they have none-facts to talk about; they have zero data on Zongo to talk about.”
In a pointed comparison, Banda asserted that the NPP has demonstrated genuine commitment to Muslim communities and northerners through tangible development projects.
“We have demonstrated with all sincerity, without any equivocation, that NPP is rather the political party in this country that likes Muslims, and Zongos and northerners,” he stated.
He delved into history to draw comparisons and highlight the extent of state support for sustainable development in Zongo communities. He acknowledged that the NDC had enjoyed enormous support from the Zongos in the 4th Republic but questioned the tangible benefits these communities had received in return.
The former MP for Offinso South criticized the Atta Mills/Mahama-led administration for cancelling the Arabic instructors’ and Makaranta teachers’ monthly stipends in 2009.
These allowances, instituted by President John Kufuor’s government in 2001 to support Arabic teachers, were not reinstated despite repeated appeals during the Mahama administration.
The Chairman of the Bawumia Campaign in the Zongos emphasized that the NPP has had a superior track record of Muslim inclusion in leadership since 1979, from Victor Owusu’s time through Kufuor and Akufo-Addo’s administrations, culminating in Dr. Bawumia becoming the first Muslim presidential candidate of a major political party.
“The NPP government has always shown faith and solidarity with Muslims and since 1979 when Victor Owusu was our presidential candidate to Kufuor’s time and Akufo-Addo, we have elected a Muslim as our running-mate,” he said.
Dismissing the NDC’s initiatives, Banda noted: “All that they have been able to do is to give holidays.” He further questioned the value of such gestures, adding: “Holiday is good, but without working and pay and salaries, how do you enjoy holidays?”
He highlighted several achievements in Zongo communities, including the supply of 5,000 dual desks, construction of 17 astroturf facilities, 70 new classroom blocks, and sponsorship of 40 brilliant students from Zongo communities to study medicine in Cuba.
The NPP throughout the Fourth Republic has demonstrated sincere commitment to strengthening the country’s diversity by building an inclusive party and society.
Banda also addressed recent political discourse by refuting NDC claims regarding Dr. Bawumia’s stance on LGBTQ+ legislation, stating that the NPP flagbearer had repeatedly declared his opposition to such practices based on the country’s customs and values.
He urged residents in Zongo communities not to fall for what he called “the NDC’s flimsy and trivial propaganda” and instead support Dr. Bawumia’s presidential ambition, citing his demonstrated care for the communities.
The Zongo Gaskiya Forum aims to present verifiable data and achievements in Zongo communities under NPP administrations since 2017. The platform focuses on accounting to the people of Ghana regarding the NPP’s stewardship of Zongo development and outlining future plans under a potential Bawumia government from January 2025.
As the 2024 elections approach, this initiative by the NPP appears to be a strategic move to consolidate support in Zongo communities and challenge the historical allegiance these areas have shown to the NDC.
