Afia Pokua: NPP Must Embark on a 'Forgiveness Tour' in the Ashanti Region

Afia Pokua, a prominent Ghanaian broadcaster known as ‘Vim Lady,’ has urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to embark on a “forgiveness tour” in the Ashanti Region following their unexpected loss in the 2024 general elections.

The 2024 parliamentary and presidential elections, held on December 7, 2024, were highly competitive, with the NPP facing off against their main rival, the National Democratic Congress (NDC). The elections ended with a surprising outcome, as the NDC not only won the presidential race but also secured a majority of parliamentary seats. This result was particularly shocking because the Ashanti Region, traditionally considered a stronghold for the NPP, also swung in favor of the NDC.

In a Facebook post reflecting on the election results, Afia Pokua emphasized the message sent by the voters in the Ashanti Region. She pointed out that the NPP had suffered a significant setback in an area that had long been a loyal base for the party. The results, according to her, should serve as a clear reminder that political parties cannot take the support of their constituents for granted. “The NPP must go on a forgiveness tour in the Ashanti Region. They sure gave them a massive showdown. You can’t take the people for granted,” she remarked in her post.

Afia Pokua’s comments reflect the growing sentiment that the NPP needs to reconnect with the people in regions where their dominance had been unquestioned. The Ashanti Region, historically known for its strong backing of the NPP, witnessed a shift in support, which many political analysts see as a critical message to the party. The loss in the region marks a turning point and suggests that the NPP needs to reassess its relationship with its supporters, especially those in key regions.

The 2024 elections marked a significant political shift in Ghana, with the NDC reclaiming substantial ground that had previously been dominated by the NPP. The outcome demonstrated the power of the electorate and highlighted the need for political parties to listen to the concerns and needs of their constituents. Afia Pokua’s call for a “forgiveness tour” emphasizes the importance of political parties taking responsibility for their actions and reaching out to the people, especially in the face of such surprising results.

Following the announcement of the election results, the Electoral Commission of Ghana declared John Dramani Mahama as the president-elect of the Republic of Ghana, two days after the polls had closed. Mahama’s victory, coupled with the NDC’s strong performance in the parliamentary elections, signals a shift in the political landscape of the country.

As the NPP reflects on its performance in the 2024 elections, the message from the Ashanti Region and other parts of the country is clear: political loyalty cannot be assumed. The party will need to engage with the electorate more effectively, addressing their concerns and demonstrating that they are committed to serving the people. Afia Pokua’s comments serve as a reminder that the NPP, and all political parties, must be accountable to the people who put them in power.