Kofi Asante, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary candidate for Wassa Amenfi West in the 2020 elections, has turned his back on his party, accusing them of failing the people of the constituency. In a bold move, he has defected to the National Democratic Congress (NDC), passionately calling on residents to vote for the opposition party in the upcoming elections.
Speaking to a gathering of NDC supporters at Nkwanta Kesse in the Wassa Amenfi West Constituency in the Western Region, Kofi Asante criticized the NPP's unfulfilled promises and labeled their assurances as mere “fake and lies.” He expressed his belief that the NPP lacks a genuine interest in the development of the constituency, urging the residents to consider the NDC as a viable alternative to bring about meaningful change.
Reflecting on his own experience, Asante revealed that during the 2020 elections, he actively advocated for the needs of the community, presenting their concerns directly to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo. “In 2020, we outlined the challenges faced by our community to the President, and he promised that the roads connecting smaller communities would be constructed. Contractors even showed up to start the work, but sadly, they abandoned the projects as soon as the elections were over,” he lamented.
Asante said his decision to defect to the NDC was driven by his realization that the current government had relegated the constituency’s needs to the background. After losing the 2020 elections, he conducted a follow-up on the promises made by the NPP, only to uncover what he described as shocking revelations.
“My fellow citizens, I have some disheartening news to share. Our three constituencies have been completely removed from the priority list for development projects. This means that while other areas across the country will see progress and growth, we will remain stagnant,” Asante disclosed.
He urged his audience to reconsider their support for the NPP, questioning whether they could continue backing a government that had neglected them. “If you’re still planning to vote for the NPP after hearing this, I urge you to rethink your decision and choose what is best for our community,” he said passionately.
Asante highlighted the discrepancies between the promises made by the NPP government and their actual achievements. While the President had boasted about completing 11,975.96 kilometers of roads, 33 bridges, and six interchanges between 2017 and 2022, Asante argued that the Wassa Amenfi West Constituency had seen no tangible benefits from these projects.
“The NDC has pledged to complete abandoned projects and ensure that development reaches our constituency. That is why I believe it is time for us to support a party that truly has our best interests at heart,” he stated.
Kofi Asante drew comparisons between the current government and the era of former President Jerry John Rawlings, under whose administration the community's requests for improved roads and electricity were addressed. He expressed optimism about working with Eric Afful, the incumbent NDC Member of Parliament and parliamentary candidate, to bring much-needed development to Wassa Amenfi West.
“The NPP has neglected us for far too long. During former President Rawlings’ time, the government listened to us and addressed our concerns. I am confident that under the leadership of Eric Afful and the NDC, we can achieve the progress that our constituency deserves,” Asante affirmed.
Asante's public defection has sent ripples across the political landscape in the region, highlighting the frustrations of some residents who feel let down by the NPP’s unfulfilled promises. His decision to support the NDC is expected to sway some voters in the constituency as the 2024 elections draw closer.
Meanwhile, the NDC’s National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, who was present during the event, commended Kofi Asante for his courage and honesty. He assured the people of Wassa Amenfi West that an NDC government would prioritize their needs and ensure that abandoned projects in the area are completed.
As the campaigns for the 2024 elections intensify, the defection of key political figures like Kofi Asante underscores the growing demand for accountability and tangible development in communities across Ghana. For the residents of Wassa Amenfi West, the upcoming elections may offer a critical opportunity to reassess their choices and push for leaders who prioritize their interests.
Whether Kofi Asante’s call will lead to a significant shift in voter loyalty remains to be seen, but his defection has certainly added a new dimension to the political dynamics in the constituency. Residents are now faced with a decision that could shape the future of Wassa Amenfi West and determine whether their long-standing aspirations for development will finally be realized.
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