Old Tafo Member of Parliament Vincent Ekow Assafuah has acknowledged that the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) is gradually becoming attractive to young voters in the Ashanti Region, a traditional stronghold of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Speaking in an interview with Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM monitored by Kumasimail, the NPP MP admitted that political dynamics in the region have shifted significantly.
According to him, it was once unthinkable for young people in Kumasi to openly affiliate with the NDC, largely due to the historical memories of Jerry John Rawlings’ military era.
“In those days, for a young man to declare himself an NDC supporter in Kumasi was almost impossible,” he said.
“The older generation often recounted the atrocities of the Rawlings era, which made the NDC unattractive to us while growing up.”
However, Assafuah observed that Jerry John Rawlings’ passing and changing political attitudes have opened space for young people to view the party differently.
“Now, the youth approach politics with a more relaxed mindset. They are open and less hostile towards the Umbrella party,” he remarked.
The Old Tafo legislator noted that this trend should serve as a warning to the NPP to rethink its style of governance and engagement.
“It only tells us that, as an NPP fraternity, we must change our style of politics and ensure that the demands of the young people are met,” he emphasized.
Assafuah added that policies such as the Free SHS programme, though impactful, are not always felt directly by the beneficiaries, which affects the level of appreciation among the youth.
“While parents acknowledge the benefits of Free SHS, many young people feel disconnected from it because the money does not come to them directly. But when the NDC pays first-year tertiary fees, the money goes straight to students. That makes them feel the benefit immediately,” he explained.
SOURCE: Kumasi Mail
