The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has declared that the Ashanti Region can no longer be described as the exclusive stronghold of the New Patriotic Party, citing the NDC’s improved performance in the 2024 general elections.
Addressing chiefs, residents and party supporters at Nsuta Kwamang Beposo on Wednesday as part of his three-day Ashanti Regional “Thank You Tour,” he said the party’s gains in the region signal a significant political shift.
Mr Asiedu Nketia noted that the NDC had historically struggled to make meaningful inroads in the Ashanti Region, with its activities often limited to a handful of constituencies. However, ahead of the 2024 polls, the party adopted a deliberate strategy to expand its presence across all districts.
He said that approach yielded results, with the NDC recording a notable increase in its vote share. From a long-standing benchmark where about 28 per cent of the vote in the region was considered adequate for national victory, the party surpassed expectations by pushing its performance beyond 30 per cent and edging close to 35 per cent.
The parliamentary outcome also reflected the shift. The NDC secured eight seats in the region—its strongest performance to date—compared to the three to four seats it had typically won in previous elections.
According to the NDC Chairman, the results point to growing acceptance of the party within Asanteman and reinforce the region’s critical role in shaping national electoral outcomes.
He stressed that no political party can secure power in Ghana without making significant gains in the Ashanti Region, given its size and influence, and assured that the NDC would sustain its engagement with voters in the area.
Mr Asiedu Nketia also acknowledged the contribution of traditional leaders and religious groups, noting that their prayers, guidance and support played a role in the party’s improved showing.
