Koku Anyidoho, former Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), forecasts a significant erosion of support for the party in the Northern Region, a traditional stronghold, ahead of the December 7, 2024, general election, predicting a substantial decline in votes for the NDC in this critical region.

Koku Anyidoho attributed his prediction of NDC’s vote loss in the Northern Region to the replacement of Haruna Iddrisu as Minority Leader, citing this decision as one of the primary reasons for the anticipated electoral setback.

Koku Anyidoho believes the NDC will face voter backlash in the Northern Region, particularly from the Dagomba community, due to the controversial removal of Haruna Iddrisu as Minority Leader.

This sentiment, Koku Anyidoho noted, may translate into votes against the NDC in the upcoming December election, potentially damaging the party’s chances in a traditionally loyal stronghold.

Koku Anyidoho noted that the NDC is facing growing discontent in the Northern Region, where the party’s traditional support base is increasingly disillusioned.

Meanwhile, he noted that the ruling NPP is gaining traction in the region, as President Akufo-Addo’s strategic appointments, such as Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam as Finance Minister, are resonating with the local population and bolstering the NPP’s popularity.

Koku Anyidoho stated that Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, now the NPP’s presidential candidate, had previously inflicted significant damage on the NDC during his tenure as running mate, and is likely to wreak even more havoc now that he is at the helm of the NPP’s ticket.

“If you combine the three northern regions, North East, Northern Region, Savannah, the North East Region has 6 seats; NPP has 4, we have 2. Northern proper (Region) has 18, NPP has 9, and NDC has 9. Savannah has 7, we have 4, and they have 3. When you add them all up, NPP has one more seat than NDC, something unprecedented. And this was when Bawumia was just a running mate”
Koku Anyidoho

Bawumia’s Candidacy Changes Political Landscape

Furthermore, Koku Anyidoho observed that with Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia now at the helm as the NPP’s flagbearer, the political landscape has dramatically shifted, and the NDC must brace itself for a more formidable challenge, as Bawumia’s elevated status has significantly altered the dynamics of the race.

“This is North East where he has already made an impact, in the Northern Region itself, something has changed”. – Koku Anyidoho

Koku Anyidoho pointed out that the NDC botched the handling of the minority leadership transition, creating a perception that Haruna Iddrisu was unfairly and disgracefully ousted, which has led to widespread discontent and resentment within the party’s ranks.

“Haruna is Dagomba, right? And he is part of the 9-9. Shortly after his removal as Minority Leader, Nana Addo, in his reshuffle this year, appointed almost all the Dagomba NPP MPs to ministerial positions, including the Finance Minister”.
Koku Anyidoho

Koku Anyidoho stressed that the dominant narrative in the northern region is that the NDC is showing disdain for a prominent northern figure, Haruna Iddrisu, while the NPP is actively elevating and empowering northern leaders, a perception that could significantly sway regional sentiment and votes in favor of the NPP.

Meanwhile, Joseph Nunoo-Mensah, a former Chief of Defense Staff, expressed his disillusionment with both the NPP and the NDC, stating that neither party has demonstrated any significant usefulness to the country, suggesting that they have failed to make a positive impact on Ghana’s development.

He says there is nothing to point to that has aided the development of the country which was spearheaded by the leading political parties.

“What can you point out? For 32 years the road at Labadi and Winneba has been a disaster. I was a national advisor for three years and God took Mills away and Mahama took over and see what happened”.
Joseph Nunoo-Mensah