In a surprising development from the Volta Region, specifically Hohoe, about 1,000 supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have reportedly defected to join the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
This news comes just a few months ahead of Ghana’s 2024 general elections and has generated significant buzz, especially given that the Volta Region has long been considered an NDC stronghold. The defection, which was caught on video and shared widely on social media, has raised questions about the internal stability of the NDC in the region and the political implications for the upcoming elections.
In the video, several of the defectors, many of whom are from the Zongo communities, expressed their frustrations with the NDC’s administration. According to them, despite being loyal supporters of the party for years, they have not witnessed significant improvements in their communities, particularly in terms of development projects.
One of the key complaints from the Zongo residents was that the NDC has historically failed to initiate and implement developmental projects that benefit their communities. They cited a lack of infrastructure and opportunities, which has left many feeling abandoned and overlooked by the party they have supported for decades.
One of the defectors passionately expressed his disappointment with the NDC, stating that the party seems to only value their votes during elections, but once in power, they are neglected. He argued that staying with the NDC had become a “waste of time and resources” for many in the community. This sentiment was echoed by several others, who claimed that they had seen more tangible results from the NPP government, even in traditionally NDC-dominated areas.
The defection of these supporters is seen as a significant blow to the NDC, especially in the Volta Region, which has long been regarded as the party’s electoral “world bank.” The NDC has historically dominated elections in this region, and any shift in voter loyalty, particularly on such a large scale, could have serious consequences for the party’s chances in the upcoming election. For the NPP, this defection represents an opportunity to make inroads in a region that has been challenging for them in past elections.
Political analysts are closely watching the situation, noting that while defections are not uncommon during election season, the scale of this particular movement is noteworthy. The reasons provided by the defectors—frustration with the lack of development and a feeling of being taken for granted—are not new, but the fact that they are openly switching allegiance to the NPP is a concerning sign for the NDC’s leadership.
The NPP, for its part, has welcomed the new members with open arms, viewing their defection as a validation of the party’s efforts to develop and modernize the country, particularly under the leadership of President Nana Akufo-Addo. In the video, NPP representatives in the region can be seen engaging with the defectors, pledging to work with them and address the concerns they raised about development in their communities.
This development has sparked a new conversation about voter loyalty and the importance of delivering tangible results to retain the support of key constituencies. As the 2024 elections draw closer, both parties will need to navigate these dynamics carefully. For the NDC, the challenge will be to address the grievances of its base, particularly in the Volta Region, while the NPP will look to capitalize on the momentum created by these defections to gain more ground in the region.
