President John Dramani Mahama, on Sunday, took his campaign to the Upper East Region, with a call on people of northern descent to come out in their numbers on December 7 to vote hugely for him and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), not because he is a northerner, but because the NDC has developed the north more than the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Addressing a rally of NDC supporters in Bolgatanga, President Mahama, who is seeking his second and last bid in office, said; “It is especially important for us in the three northern regions to turn out for me, not because I come from here, but because if you weigh the two parties [NDC and NPP], the NDC has done more for the people of the north than any other party. And elections are about choices, and if somebody says I will do this for you, and somebody says I will do this for you, what do you look at? You weigh the two and look at the one who, when you had the opportunity, what did you for me, and this one, when you had the opportunity what did you do for me? And when you weigh the two, you find out that the NDC is heavier than the NPP.”
The NDC’s flagbearer further said anytime northerners enjoyed advanced development in all sectors of the economy, including healthcare, education and provision of water in the northern part of Ghana, it has been under an NDC government.
He paid tribute to former President Jerry John Rawlings for extending electricity to the three regions – Northern, Upper East and Upper West – as well as the Brong Ahafo Region, through the introduction of the rural and national electrification programmes.
“That is why I say the north should turn out in its numbers to vote for the NDC, not because I come from the north, but because the NDC is a party that has proven that its loves the people of the north, and brings development to the people of the north,” he added.
Before he addressed the rally, President Mahama paid a courtesy call on the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, where the members appealed to him to ensure the completion of all roads currently under construction in the Upper East Region.
They also want an airport, the revamping of the Zuarungu meat factor, Zuarungu rice mill and Northern Star Tomato factory at Pwalugu.
The Chief of Yorogo, Naba Johnson Awuni Azebire, acting President of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, who made the appeal on behalf of his colleague chiefs, called on all presidential nominees to ensure peaceful elections, by admonishing their followers not to cause trouble before, during, and after the elections.
Join GhanaStar.com to receive daily email alerts of breaking news in Ghana. GhanaStar.com is your source for all Ghana News. Get the latest Ghana news, breaking news, sports, politics, entertainment and more about Ghana, Africa and beyond.
