As the 2024 general election draws near, Apexnewsgh Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen has been engaging with voters across various constituencies in the Upper East Region. Recently, the team visited the Pusiga constituency, where electorates openly shared their thoughts and concerns. Please, note the views were entirely collated from residents.
The Pusiga constituency, one of the newly created constituencies in 2004, has been a key battleground in Ghana’s political landscape. With the election looming, the people of Pusiga are weighing their options carefully.
Their views and opinions will play a crucial role in shaping the region’s future. The electorates’ concerns range from infrastructure development to healthcare, education, and job creation.
In Ghana’s electoral history, the Pusiga constituency has seen intense competition, with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) vying for control. The outcome of this election will be significant, as it may set the tone for the region’s political landscape.
The Upper East Region, known for its diverse culture and rich history, is home to numerous constituencies, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. As the election approaches, the voices of the people will be heard, shaping the future of Ghana.
Views of Pusiga electorates
The upcoming election in Pusiga constituency is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Incumbent MP Hajia Laadi Ayamba has been in office for 12 years, and while she’s done her best, many including her angry party men and women feel she could still achieve more. The tough economic situation has Ghanaians yearning for change, but voters are torn. If they switch from the ruling party to the opposition, they’ll need to maintain Hajia Laadi as their MP, but this could be impacted if they choose new candidate Hanan.
Alhaji Hanan, CEO of the National Food Buffer Stock Company, has been a strong force in the area, donating good number of motorbikes to the NPP in the Upper East Region during the 2020 elections. His benevolence has earned him popularity, and some predict he’ll be the first NPP candidate to win the Pusiga seat. However, voters are weighing the potential consequences of voting Hanan into power, considering the impact on the government
Hajia Laadi Ayamba’s human relationship with her constituents has become a major issue in the upcoming election. Many people who’ve interacted with her have complained about her treatment, and they’re now looking to express their discontent through their votes. Some are even considering voting “skirt and blouse,” a term that suggests they’ll vote for a different party’s presidential candidate while supporting Hajia Laadi as their MP.
However, following the primaries, the party has managed to reunite, with everyone coming back on board to work towards a common goal. This newfound unity has actually boosted Hajia Laadi’s chances of re-election. It’s interesting to note that Hajia Laadi has been a dedicated member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and has served as the MP for Pusiga Constituency for several years.
Hanan’s Astroturf commissioning event, featuring former Black Stars legends and Fancy Gadam, has sparked concerns about his political motives. Locals believe this won’t sway ordinary voters. Another issue is Hanan’s marriage to a Mamprusi, a minority tribe involved in the Bawku conflict, which could alienate Kusuag-dominated Pusiga.
Additionally, Hanan’s language barrier may hinder communication; he only speaks Hausa and English fluently, not the local Iyan or Moshi languages. This raises questions about his ability to connect with constituents without a mediator. These factors may impact Hanan’s chances with voters.
The government’s lack of significant projects in Pusiga, aside from Astroturf and a few boreholes, has raised concerns among locals. As Buffer Stock CEO, Hanan’s management of the school feeding program has been under scrutiny. Unfortunately, the program has been plagued by issues, with students receiving subpar meals, such as plain rice instead of jollof rice and Ga beans with barely any beans.
The situation is dire, with students struggling to access nutritious food, and it’s heartbreaking to think that funds meant for their well-being are allegedly being diverted to support party loyalists. This perceived mismanagement may impact Hanan’s electoral chances, as voters question his ability to prioritize their needs.
Ghana has also recognized the importance of school feeding, implementing programs in thousands of schools nationwide. However, the current situation in Pusiga falls short of these standards.
Voters are likely to consider Hanan’s track record as Buffer Stock CEO and the government’s overall performance in providing essential services when casting their ballots. Will the perceived failures of the school feeding program and lack of development projects in Pusiga sway voters against Hanan and the incumbent government?
In Pusiga, a fascinating electoral drama is unfolding. Financially strained voters are willing to accept handouts from both politicians, but they won’t trade their votes. “We’ll take the money, but our minds are made up,” they say. They believe the funds come from the government, and as citizens, they’re the true owners.
During his mini-campaign tour, John Mahama used a compelling analogy to drive home the importance of supporting incumbent MP Hajia Laadi. He likened the election to a boxing match, where Azumah Nelson, a legendary Ghanaian boxer, would be unable to win with tied hands. Mahama emphasized that without Hajia Laadi’s mandate, he couldn’t effectively lead. He urged former parliamentary contestants to rally behind Hajia Laadi, warning that he’d be displeased if she lost.
Mahama’s words have shifted the dynamics in the constituency. Suddenly, everyone’s backing Hajia Laadi especially, those who contesting the incumbent during the party primaries. Neighboring Togo even contributed three buses to transport supporters to the rally grounds, sporting Togo number plates. This show of support stems from the economic struggles Ghanaians face. The NPP government’s policies have weakened the cedi, crippling trade in Sankasi. Many residents of Windana, who do business in Sankasi, see supporting the NDC as a chance to revitalize the economy.
The people’s dissatisfaction with the NPP government is palpable. They’re seeking change, and Hajia Laadi’s re-election may be the key to unlocking it. Will she retain her seat, or will the opposition capitalize on the economic woes? The outcome will be crucial in shaping Pusiga’s future.
A recent social media stir was caused by T-shirts featuring Hanan and John Mahama, which the NPP promptly disclaimed. Locals are aware that Pusiga is an NDC stronghold, and Dr. Bawumia’s chances of securing votes are slim. Another controversy emerged when a video surfaced of the NPP chairman and Hanan campaigning for a “skirt and blouse” vote, which remains unaddressed by the party.
Interestingly, Hajia Laadi and Alhaji Hanan share the same tribe, but Hajia Laadi’s deep roots in Pusiga, having grown up and raised her family there, give her a hometown advantage. Hanan, on the other hand, hails from Bawku and only returned to Pusiga for political reasons, having been rejected in his initial attempt to contest in Bawku.
The NPP’s candidate selection has been a subject of concern, with frequent changes and a perceived lack of credibility. In contrast, the NDC has maintained stability in their candidate selection. The 2020 NPP candidate made significant strides, narrowing the vote gap from 8,000 to 63, but was ultimately neglected by the party. This oversight led his supporters to urge him to run as an independent, though he later reconsidered.
The Upper East Region NPP chairman, Anthony Namoo, has emphasized the importance of unity and hard work to secure seats held by the NDC. National Organizer Henry Nana Boakye, also known as Nana B, once confidently predicts Alhaji Hanan Abdul Wahab’s victory in the Pusiga constituency.
Meanwhile, despite Hajia Laadi’s perceived unappreciative behavior, some devoted party supporters expressed willingness to contribute financially to her campaign. However, they voiced concerns that Hajia Laadi prefers to keep their donations private and secret, rather than publicly acknowledging their support for her reelection. This has effected Hajia Laadi partially.
New Patriotic Party (NPP) members in the Pusiga Constituency were initially hesitant to wear T-shirts featuring Hanan and Dr. Bawumia’s images due to intimidation. However, the Upper East Regional Minister’s visit from Bolgatanga to Pusiga for a road handover ceremony marked a turning point. The Minister encouraged NPP supporters to proudly don their party’s T-shirts, boosting their morale and kicking off the campaign in earnest.
However, one Mr. Paul, a former NDC Constituency Election Director, has joined Dr. Hassan Ayariga APC to contest the Parliamentary seat in Pusiga. But unfortunately, the electorates are not seeing him as a serious candidate.
For Presidential Candidates, majority of the residents of Pusiga we interviewed were very straightforward, according to them, the NDC flagbearer John Dramani Mahama will have their votes.
On-the-ground views from the Pusiga Constituency indicate that local opinions are taking shape, but the media remains neutral, showing no bias towards any particular candidate. However, savvy politicians recognize the value of these grassroots perspectives and will likely use them to address their weaknesses and adjust their strategies accordingly.
This dynamic highlight the importance of understanding local sentiments in electoral contests. By listening to constituents’ concerns, politicians can refine their approaches and build stronger connections with voters. In the context of the Pusiga Constituency, this could be a decisive factor in determining the outcome of the election.
Six days to the election, our conclusion will be made public on who is likely to emerge victorious in Pusiga between the two candidates.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
