The Ashanti Region, historically a stronghold for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), delivered a surprising blow to the party in the 2024 elections, a result that has sparked concern within NPP circles.
Andy Appiah-Kubi, a former Member of Parliament for Asante-Akim North Constituency, shared his thoughts on the unexpected shift in voter sentiment, particularly focusing on the issue of unmet infrastructure promises.
He believes that the lack of significant development in the region contributed to the party’s loss in what was once considered a reliable base.
Appiah-Kubi didn’t mince words in a recent interview, pointing directly to the disconnect between the party’s promises and the reality faced by voters in the Ashanti Region.
“The Ashanti Region has suffered from years of neglect when it comes to infrastructure development. Key projects that were supposed to benefit the people, including critical roads and interchanges, have been delayed indefinitely,” he said on Joy News.
A notable example he cited was the unfinished interchange project initiated by former President Kufuor, which remains incomplete even after several years, despite the NPP’s extended time in power.
The lack of visible progress on such projects left voters feeling disillusioned. Appiah-Kubi underscored that the people of Ashanti were not just disappointed—they were actively frustrated.
“For the past eight years, the NPP has been in power, yet there’s very little to show in terms of infrastructural development. The region, once loyal to the party, felt as though their needs were sidelined in favour of promises that were never realized,” he explained.
The situation, according to Appiah-Kubi, led to a sense of voter apathy, which contributed significantly to the NPP’s loss of seats in the region.
The previously unshakeable support for the party appeared to wane as voters chose to express their dissatisfaction through their ballots. Appiah-Kubi believes that this was a “punitive response” from voters who felt abandoned by a party that had long taken their loyalty for granted.
“People in Ashanti felt ignored. They see the roadblocks in their daily lives, the unfinished projects, and they question whether the NPP still cares about them,” Appiah-Kubi said. His comments reflect the sentiment that the NPP failed to live up to its promise of development in a region that has been vital to its past successes.
