In the intricate landscape of modern democracies, the harmonious coexistence of politics and development is not just desirable but essential. However, in African nations, particularly Ghana, this balance is often disrupted by the undercurrents of tribalism and regional loyalties, casting a shadow on the democratic ethos and its developmental consequences. A closer look at Ghana's political tapestry reveals a disturbing trend: tribal voting patterns significantly impact regional development.
The Ghanaian political scene is starkly divided along tribal lines, with the Ashanti region predominantly supporting the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Ewe people of the Volta Region aligning with the National Democratic Congress (NDC). This tribal polarization has led to a noticeable development gap, especially evident when juxtaposing the relatively advanced Ashanti region with the less developed Eweland. At the heart of this disparity is the NDC’s divided attention between its stronghold, the Volta Region, and the politically crucial Ashanti region. Despite substantial electoral support from the Volta Region, the NDC's development initiatives there have been conspicuously lacking.
Compounding this issue is the numerical weight of the Ashanti region’s votes, which significantly surpass those from the Volta Region. This electoral arithmetic positions the Ashanti region as a vital battleground for the NDC, thus skewing their developmental focus. The result? The Volta Region, despite its unwavering loyalty to the NDC, suffers from underdevelopment, a glaring contrast to its high literacy rates and professional prowess. As election season approaches, the NDC’s overtures to the Volta Region ring hollow, lacking in tangible developmental commitments and reducing the region to a mere voting reservoir.
The Eweland, with its strategic location bordering Togo, is a latent commercial hub, yet this potential remains unexploited, largely due to political neglect. The state of the regional capital is a testament to this, highlighting the dichotomy between the region’s loyalty to the NDC and the lack of reciprocal developmental initiatives. This situation calls for a wake-up call in Eweland. The people must reevaluate their steadfast support for the NDC and demand more than perfunctory political platitudes. Development, respect, and recognition are not just deserved but are due. The citizens of Eweland must hold their political representatives, particularly the NDC, accountable, ensuring that their votes yield actual improvements in their living conditions and community infrastructure. The era of passively accepting unfulfilled promises and enduring underdevelopment must end. It is time for Eweland to assert itself, demanding its due in Ghana's developmental narrative and refusing to be sidelined in the arena of political manoeuvring.
Eweland stands at a crucial juncture. The choices made now will determine whether the region continues to be mired in the stagnation of unfulfilled political promises or rises to claim its rightful place in the nation's progress. The path forward is clear: demand development, challenge political complacency, and embrace the potential that Eweland inherently possesses.
Isaac Ofori
Human Rights Advocate
BA, MA, MPhil, PhD Student (UEW, SCMS)
Low-profile Walter leads South Africa to promised land of World Cup final
NDC takes 24-hour economy proposal to Tamale
NAPO is not my preferred candidate to partner Bawumia – Appiah-Kubi
Reject all campaigning candidates for running mate – Appiah-Kubi tells Bawumia
Traditional Council cautions Fiapre people over decision to swear allegiance to ...
Oti Region: Akyode traditional leaders perform purification rituals to usher new...
Prosecution present documents to support claims Richard Jakpa was dismissed from...
Mr Logic in court for allegedly defrauding American of $21,000 and GHC48,000
Kumasi residents go gay over Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh's nomination as NPP runni...
There’s no corruption in the deal — Sammy Gyamfi defends NDC gurus in ‘dirty' mo...
