The National Treasurer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Charles Dwemena, aka Dr China, has noted that the low voter turnout in the Ayawaso East by-election was a clear sign that Ghanaians, particularly constituents in the area, do not feel the impact of the economy in their daily lives.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, Dr Dwemena explained that whether the economy is described as ‘micro’ or otherwise, what truly matters is whether the gains made are reflected in the pockets of the people and not artificial on paper.
According to him, if the economy is genuinely performing well, it will reflect in the pockets of ordinary people from Ayawaso to Nima and other surrounding communities.
He said, ‘When things are truly working, nobody will force you to vote.’ You will wake up early in the morning and take your car or walk to the polling station because you can feel the improvement in your pocket. But what they are witnessing now, he noted, is different. He stressed that nothing has been reflected in the pockets of the people.”
Dr Dwemena added that as he moves around different areas, many residents openly complain bitterly that they are not motivated to vote because they do not see the importance of voting when their living conditions have not improved.
According to him, even supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) expressed frustration because they were going through stress and not seeing any meaningful change, although their party was in power.
In his view, when a town is doing well, it will be felt directly in the pockets of the people. The current low turnout emotion, he described, is a clear testament that many citizens are becoming disappointed with the governance of the NDC.
Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmed of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) emerged victorious in the Ayawaso East Constituency, garnering 63% of the votes and successfully retaining the seat for the ruling party.
Yussif Baba Ali of the NPP secured 23% of the valid votes, while three other candidates collectively secured 13%.
One of the independent candidates, Alhaji Mohammed Umaru Sanda, broke ranks with the NDC to stand on his own.
The other candidates were David Kannor and Ibrahim Iddrisu, who stood on the ticket of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG).
By: Justina Ekua Kwofie and Rashid Obodai Provencal/Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghan
