Mahama calls on Asantehene at Manhyia Palace as part of Ashanti regional campaign

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday met the Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi. 

The former president was accompanied by former government appointees from the NDC side including former Minister of Justice, Betty Mould Iddrisu, former Mayor of Kumasi, Kojo Bonsu, former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Akwasi Oppong-Fosu among others. 

Mr Mahama assured the people of the Ashanti region that he is committed to developing the region and positioning it as a benefiting second-largest city in the country. 

He emphasised that he considers Manhyia his home and promised to complete all abandoned projects and initiate new ones when he returns to power.

“I know that Manhyia is my home and you know me so when I return to power I will ensure that I complete all projects they have abandoned and the ones they will leave for us,” he said.

Unfinished business 

During his address, Mr Mahama noted that Kumasi, as the second-largest city, deserves equal development attention. He cited his previous efforts to share development projects equally and mentioned specific unfinished projects, including the Afari Military Hospital, phase two of the Kejetia market, and the Kumasi Airport phase two. 

He reminded the Asantehene of his advice to him to tell the success stories of the NDC and his achievements as President as well as his intentions for the country when he returns to office. 

“I remember you once advised me to tell the people what I have done and what I intend to do so the other day I was here I mentioned the things we have done in this region.

“We finished with some and others were not finished before we left and we looked forward to this government that replaced us to have done completed them but for eight years these projects were abandoned including the Afari Military Hospital and the phase two of the Kejetia market which we had already secured funding for,” he said. 

Mr Mahama that the NDC government allocated 13 E blocks for the region but most of them were still not completed till date. 

“The Airport should have been completed by now if we were in government,” he said. 

Mr Mahama said he had therefore returned to complete the work he started before leaving office as he had the experience of a retired army general. 

Ghana first 

For his part, the Asantehene said it’s not true that Manhyia doesn’t like the NDC and “today you have mentioned for everyone to hear that Manhyia is your home”. 

The Asantehene said he wants everyone to know that Ghana is bigger than any individual and its development is what we should all seek. 

Speaking through his linguist, the Asantehene said, “the laws of the country allows for elections after every four years and after the term the people will access the performance and see if the government didn’t perform they set them aside, and that is where we are at this point.” 

The Asantehene called on politicians to be vigilant as elections are won at the polling station.

Day four 

The former president then proceeded to Tebeso II in the Bosome Freho constituency, where he engaged with community members on the pressing issues affecting their lives.

The NDC flagbearer also attended a mini campaign durbar in Banka, Asante Akim South, where he reiterated his pledge to address the region's infrastructure deficits. Mahama's message of change resonated with the crowd, who welcomed him with enthusiasm.

Other notable stops on Mr Mahama's campaign trail included Konongo Zongo in Asante Akim Central, Agogo in Asante Akim North, and Mosi Panin in Sekyere Afram Plains. At each of these locations, Mahama interacted with community members, listening to their concerns and outlining his vision for a better future.

In Kumawu, Mr Mahama addressed a gathering of supporters, emphasizing the need for a change in government. He also attended a community durbar in Asokore Zongo, Effiduase, where he was warmly received by the crowd.

Mr Mahama's campaign promises align with his earlier vow to enhance infrastructure in Zongo communities nationwide, focusing on education and healthcare. As the December polls draw near, it remains to be seen whether Mahama's message of change will resonate with voters in the Ashanti Region.

Ashanti tour 

The former president kicked off his campaign in the Ashanti Region on Saturday with a courtesy call on the Asantehene Otumfour Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, in a meeting that was held behind closed doors. 

The region, a strong hold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and crucial battleground in Ghana's presidential election is the last among the 16 regions in the country that Mr Mahama is visiting on his nationwide campaign trail. 

The NDC is seeking to make inroads in the Ashanti Region, which has traditionally been safe for the ruling NPP. Mr Mahama's campaign is focused on winning over voters who are dissatisfied with the current state of the economy and are looking for change.