The development-focused think tank Bonaboto, which represents interests in the Upper East Region, has issued a strong warning to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) following its sweeping victory in the 2024 General Elections. The NDC secured all 15 parliamentary seats in the region and garnered over 75% of the total votes cast, leaving the New Patriotic Party (NPP) with a distant 22%.
Bonaboto’s National President, Professor Samuel Awinkine Atintono, cautioned the NDC not to become complacent, stating that the region’s support is conditional and not guaranteed in future elections. According to Professor Atintono, the NDC’s victory is a mandate for development, and failure to address the region's pressing needs could result in voters shifting their allegiance in subsequent elections.
Speaking to Citi News, Professor Atintono remarked, “This election is a lesson for all political parties. Even in NPP strongholds, they lost. No party should take us for granted. The Upper East Region is not a safe haven for the NDC unless they deliver. Winning all 15 seats sends a clear message: the people want development. If the NDC cannot provide that, why should voters continue to support them?”
He also highlighted the evolving nature of the region’s electorate, particularly among the youth, who he said are less loyal to party affiliations and more focused on tangible improvements in their lives.
Youthful Voters Demand Progress
Professor Atintono emphasized the critical role of young voters in shaping the region’s political landscape. “The youthful voters today are different; they prioritize opportunities and development over party loyalty. High unemployment rates and limited economic prospects are major concerns. If these issues are not addressed, the youth will not hesitate to vote for change,” he said.
He urged the NDC to recognize the significance of its victory as a call to action and warned that ignoring the development agenda could cost the party in future elections.
Call for Unity Among MPs
Bonaboto also called on the region’s 15 newly elected Members of Parliament to work together to advance the Upper East Region’s development agenda. Professor Atintono expressed concern about the lack of unity among MPs, which he said has hampered the region’s progress in the past.
He said, “Beyond making laws, our MPs must unite to champion the region’s development. Over the past eight years, we have not seen a cabinet minister from the Upper East Region. This is an opportunity for the region to be represented at the highest levels of government. The MPs must put aside individual ambitions and work collectively to address the needs of their constituents.”
Professor Atintono also urged the MPs to advocate for equitable distribution of resources and ensure that the Upper East Region receives its fair share of national development projects.
A History of Neglect
The Upper East Region, one of Ghana’s poorest regions, has long faced significant developmental challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to healthcare and education, and high unemployment rates. Residents have often accused successive governments of neglecting the region despite its loyalty to particular political parties.
Bonaboto’s call reflects the frustration of many residents who feel that the region’s support for the NDC has not translated into meaningful development. Professor Atintono stressed that the 2024 elections should serve as a wake-up call for the NDC to prioritize the region’s needs and fulfill its campaign promises.
A Path Forward
As the NDC prepares to govern, Bonaboto has outlined key areas that need urgent attention, including job creation, improved infrastructure, and access to quality education and healthcare. The think tank has also called for greater representation of the region in key government positions, arguing that this will ensure that the Upper East Region’s concerns are addressed at the national level.
“The people are watching,” Professor Atintono said. “Winning the elections is just the beginning. Delivering on their promises is what will determine whether they retain the region’s support in the future.”
Bonaboto’s warning is a timely reminder of the expectations of the Upper East Region’s residents and the political consequences of neglecting their needs. For the NDC, the 2024 victory represents not just a mandate but also a responsibility to bring development and improve the lives of the people in the region.
As the party transitions from campaigning to governance, the focus will now shift to whether it can meet these expectations and solidify its support in one of its key strongholds.
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