Election 2024: We didn't bus party supporters to campaign venues in Volta Region — Ahiagbah slams NDC

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Volta Region refuted allegations on Wednesday that it had bused supporters to campaign venues during the recent tour of the area by its Presidential Candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC), during a press conference on Tuesday, accused the NPP of attempting to create artificial crowds at campaign events by transporting people from other areas.

Mr. Mawutor Agbavitor, Regional Chairman of the NDC, alleged that the crowds at these events were not genuinely representative of local support but were comprised of people bused in from neighboring constituencies, purportedly drawn by offers of food and financial incentives.

The NDC also claimed that selective praise from certain chiefs and religious leaders during the tour did not reflect the broader sentiments of the Volta Region but rather were isolated endorsements.

However, the NPP’s National Director of Communications, Mr. Richard Ahiagbah, countered on Wednesday, asserting, “it is impossible to conveniently bus people to campaign venues in such fast move-around in constituencies.”

Mr. Ahiagbah emphasized that the NPP's appeal in the NDC stronghold was genuinely based on developmental projects spread throughout the region and multiple sectors, rather than on propaganda or monetary incentives.

He argued that the NDC’s stronghold in the region has hindered both its development and the political progress of its people, with the solution being to vote for change in the upcoming December polls.

According to Mr. Ahiagbah, the NPP has consistently made substantial investments in the region, regarded as an NDC stronghold, without expecting loyalty in return. He highlighted achievements in education, including the Free SHS policy, along with advancements in health infrastructure, the economy, and agriculture, contrasting this with the NDC's focus on the region mainly during election cycles.

“Development delivered the Hohoe seat for us in the 2020 polls, and there were near misses of victory in some constituencies. We believe with the warm acceptance being experienced, we hope to add more seats in the 2024 general elections,” he added.

The Communications Director also noted the visible support for Dr. Bawumia during the campaign, suggesting that this indicates a shift in the region’s political landscape, with the Volta Region potentially becoming a competitive electoral market.

Mr. Ahiagbah invited the media to review the NPP's performance tracker to compare development achievements with those of the NDC, asserting that the “NPP was proposing an electoral partnership with Voltarians for accelerated development under its Bold Solutions mantra.”

Mr. Agbavitor, on behalf of the NDC, reiterated that former President John Mahama remains a genuine ally and advocate for the Volta Region. He highlighted Mahama’s track record, pointing to visible projects that have positively impacted the lives of residents.

“John Mahama’s unwavering commitment to transforming our region is unmatched and is grounded in actionable plans, not just campaign promises,” he emphasized.

The NDC’s press conference followed Dr. Bawumia’s campaign tour of the Volta Region, held from October 20 to 24.