Will NDC sweep all 15 seats in Upper East?
I recently followed the John Mahama campaign team as they toured the Upper East Region, where the former president is seeking to win strategic votes in the upcoming election.
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The former President's decision to begin his nationwide campaign tour in the Upper East Region is undoubtedly strategic, with the primary goal of securing all 15 parliamentary seats in the area.
This ambition is not unfounded, given the region's voting trends. Currently, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) occupies 14 out of 15 parliamentary seats in the region, with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) holding only the Binduri seat.
Although Mr Mahama won the presidential election in the constituency, the NDC lost the parliamentary election to the NPP by 454 votes. Building on this momentum, the NDC is poised to potentially sweep the region in the upcoming elections, a prospect that has energised the party's supporters.
Hope in sight
The Upper East’s rustic charm, with scattered baobab trees and thatched roof villages, belies the deep developmental challenges.
From the bursting streets of Bawku, where traders hawk their wares with a cacophony of calls, to the scenic landscapes of Tempane, where the sun dips into the horizon like a fire slowly burning out, the region's beauty is undeniable. Yet, beneath the surface lies a tale of neglect and abandonment.
The Upper East is the least urbanised region in the country, with a rural population of over 79.0 per cent and many living in scattered settlements.
So, on this tour, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a thriving mining industry in the region, particularly at the East Zone Mining Site in the Talensi constituency.
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It was heartening to see that apart from agriculture, which had long been the backbone of the region's economy, gold mining was now emerging as a vital source of income for many residents. The bustling activity at the mine enclave, coupled with the enthusiasm of the miners and local community, was a testament to the potential of this industry to transform lives and revitalise the regional economy.
As the convoy traversed the region, the immense potential of the area was palpable, and the sense of hope in the eyes of its residents was unmistakable. At every stop, the enthusiasm and optimism of the people were evident, reflecting their deep-seated desire for change and development.
The region's vast possibilities seemed to be mirrored in the faces of its inhabitants, who eagerly anticipate a brighter future.
Tight schedules
The former president's campaign message, centered around accountability, transparency, and development, resonated with many constituents who poured out to meet his team.
He highlighted the region's developmental challenges, including poor road networks and inadequate healthcare facilities, and presented his plans to address them.
Throughout the tour, former President Mahama engaged with various stakeholders, including chiefs, religious leaders, and community members within tight schedules over vast distances.
On August 3, when he began the tour for instance, Mr Mahama visited various locations in the region, starting with a durbar of chiefs and queen mothers at the Bawku Naba's Palace in Bawku Central.
He then proceeded to Kuku Zabgu for a community engagement session. In Garu, Mr Mahama attended a durbar of chiefs and people at the Garu chief's palace, followed by a community engagement session at Denugu Primary School.
The Tempane area also hosted the former president on the first day of the tour, with a durbar at the Tempane SHS and a community engagement session at the Bsyonde/Kongo bridge.
The final stops for the day were in Pusiga, where Mr Mahama engaged with community members at the Widana Primary school park and attended a durbar of chiefs and people at the Pusiga Naba's palace.
By the time his convoy headed back to Bolga where he lodged, it was after midnight. The remaining days on the tour were no different, with Mr Mahama visiting an average of four constituencies each day.
By starting his campaign in the Upper East, the former president has leveraged the area's political dynamics to set the tone for a successful nationwide campaign as the campaign has generated considerable momentum, with many expressing hope for a new direction in leadership.
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Votes
While it remains to be seen whether the NDC can sweep all 15 parliamentary seats in the region, Mr Mahama's ability to connect with voters and offer tangible solutions has created a sense of ownership and investment in his campaign.
The NDC's parliamentary candidates, many of whom are new to the ticket, bring a fresh perspective and energy to the campaign trail.
Mr Mahama's policy proposals, including a Women's Development Bank and a co-operative mining policy, have garnered attention and support from constituents. His promise that, while his administration will invest in infrastructure development to bridge existing gaps, job creation will be the topmost priority, has also been well received.
However, only time will tell if his campaign will translate into electoral success.
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As the campaign trail continues, the Upper East Region remains a region of unfulfilled promise, its potential waiting to be unlocked. Whether Mahama's campaign will be the catalyst for change remains to be seen but one thing is certain – the region is ready for a new direction.
