Hon. Vincent Ekow Assafuah, Member of Parliament for Old Tafo, has openly admitted that the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) has failed to deliver meaningful development in the Ashanti Region, despite the area’s unwavering support over the years.
Speaking in an interview on Oyerepa TV, monitored by NewsNetGh, the lawmaker lamented the state of neglect in the region, describing it as both disheartening and unacceptable.
“I visited the Suame Roundabout before coming to your studios, and the filth and underdevelopment that has engulfed the place is disheartening. It’s bad that despite the Ashanti Region’s massive support, there’s practically nothing to show for it,” Assafuah said.
He was quick to absolve Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s flagbearer-in-waiting, of blame, stressing that the challenges stemmed from lapses within implementing agencies, particularly the Ministry of Finance.
Reflecting on the party’s missteps, he pleaded for forgiveness from grassroots supporters:
“We were naive then. But if the party forgives us and we vote massively in 2028 under the tutelage of Dr. Bawumia, we can transform the Ashanti Region to truly reflect the goodwill we enjoy from our people.”
Assafuah also dismissed claims that religious bias cost the NPP support, insisting that Dr. Bawumia’s Muslim faith had nothing to do with the party’s recent electoral struggles.
“The NPP’s loss is not because Bawumia is a Muslim. It’s because of betrayal from within the party,” he emphasized.
Sharing insights from his interactions with constituents, the MP recalled a football match encounter at Tafo Zongo.
“One gentleman told me the deplorable state of our region is one of the reasons he never voted for the NPP,” he revealed.
Despite his candid criticism, Assafuah expressed optimism that with the right leadership and renewed commitment, the Ashanti Region could once again become a true reflection of the loyalty it has shown the NPP for decades.
