The National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary candidate for the Abuakwa South Constituency Mr. Nana Addo-Aikins Jnr, has made his bid to unseat the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in what has historically been an NPP stronghold.
His candidacy is marked by a strong belief in the NDC’s ability to address pressing local issues such as water crises, youth unemployment, and inadequate infrastructure. Mr. Aikins shared his vision for the constituency, drawing a clear contrast between his party’s approach and the track record of the NPP.
Mr. Aikins began the conversation by correcting a historical inaccuracy related to the political legacy of Dr. J.B. Danquah in Abuakwa. He noted; “Dr. J.B. Danquah never won in Abuakwa, Kwame Nkrumah beat him in Akuakwa right in Kyebi.”
This statement set the stage for his argument that the NDC’s contributions to the constituency have often been overlooked in favor of mythologizing NPP figures.
The Reality of Governance in Abuakwa South
Moving on to the real issues facing the constituency, Mr. Aikins highlighted the fact that despite the NPP’s long hold on power in the area, the constituency has seen little development. He pointed to basic needs like roads, water, and employment that remain unaddressed.
“It’s not just about confidence. It’s about reality. There are times that reality hits people right on their faces, and they have no other option than to choose right, do what is right.”
Mr. Nana Addo-Aikins Jnr, NDC parliamentary candidate for the Abuakwa South Constituency
He made it clear that, since 1996, the people of Abuakwa South have repeatedly entrusted their parliamentary seat to the NPP, yet there is nothing tangible to show for it.
“From 1996, we’ve given the parliamentary seat to the NPP. There is nothing they can talk about. You heard our people talk when they were complaining about bad road networks, lack of potable water, unemployment, and all that.”
Mr. Nana Addo-Aikins Jnr, NDC parliamentary candidate for the Abuakwa South Constituency
Mr. Aikins did not mince words when assessing the NPP’s performance in Abuakwa South. He pointed out that the party’s leadership had failed to deliver on even the most basic services, noting the disparity between campaign promises and the realities on the ground. He remarked: “To be frank with you, nothing is there to show. Nothing.”
He emphasized that whatever development projects do exist in Abuakwa South are tied to the NDC’s governance rather than the NPP’s long reign. He reiterated; “If you go into the history of every developmental project in Abuakwa South, it is associated with the NDC.”
Why “NPP’s Hold May Finally End”
When asked why the NPP has maintained its hold on the constituency despite what he considers its lackluster performance, Mr. Addo-Aikins suggested that the community had pinned its hopes on the presidential aspirations of one of its own. The constituency had supported the NPP, hoping that by electing Nana Akufo-Addo as president, their situation would improve.
“We had a situation in Abuakwa South when we thought that one of our own was supposed to be president, so we were pushing him to be president and that we were going to make Abuakwa South a haven somewhere in Ghana but that didn’t happen, and the people of Abuakwa South are so disappointed.”
Mr. Nana Addo-Aikins Jnr, NDC parliamentary candidate for the Abuakwa South Constituency
He argued that this disappointment is driving a shift in political allegiance, with many voters now looking to the NDC for real change. He noted; “That is why they are going to change from the NPP to the NDC now because they have realized that the NDC is a better option.”
A Focus on Character and Integrity
A notable figure in the constituency, Samuel Atta Akyea, a former MP, had once remarked that “character and integrity are more important than eloquence.” Thus Mr. Aikins confidently affirmed; “100% It’s just out there. Everybody knows me for that.”
This declaration underscored his appeal as a candidate who stands for values and morals that resonate with the electorate.
One of the major concerns voiced by constituents is youth unemployment. Mr. Aikins has a clear plan to address this issue, in line with the NDC’s broader vision for national development. He highlighted the NDC’s manifesto, particularly its focus on creating opportunities for women and the unemployed.
“I don’t want to isolate my vision from that of our party’s vision. Our manifesto is one of the most decentralized manifestos in the history of Ghana, and we are going to have the women’s bank.”
Mr. Nana Addo-Aikins Jnr, NDC parliamentary candidate for the Abuakwa South Constituency
The women’s bank, a key initiative in the NDC manifesto, aims to empower women by providing interest-free loans to market traders. However, Mr. Aikins pointed out that for this plan to succeed, adequate infrastructure must be provided, including the construction of new markets in the constituency. He emphasized; “If you are going to give loans to people to trade, you need to give them markets, you need to give them the infrastructure to be able to operate.”
He also pledged to address the lack of water infrastructure, which has been a persistent issue in the area, promising to collaborate with the NDC’s leadership to expand access to clean water.
In terms of physical infrastructure, the NDC candidate stressed the importance of building more markets and other facilities to support economic activities in the constituency.
“We are going to ensure that we expand the market. There is a problem of land in that particular area, so we are going to make sure that construct other markets in other localities in the constituency.”
Mr. Nana Addo-Aikins Jnr, NDC parliamentary candidate for the Abuakwa South Constituency
This approach, he argued, would allow traders to grow their businesses while also addressing the pressing needs of the local economy.
Mr. Aikins believes that the time is ripe for change in Abuakwa South. He presented himself as a candidate rooted in character, integrity, and a desire to correct the failings of the NPP’s long dominance in the area.
With a clear focus on addressing youth unemployment, expanding infrastructure, and providing critical services like water, his vision is one that he believes will resonate with the people.
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