In an exciting turn of events in Ghana’s 2024 election campaign, Lordina Mahama, the former First Lady and wife of former President John Dramani Mahama, has taken to the streets of Kumasi to sell the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s manifesto directly to the people. Her visit to Kumasi’s vibrant markets has been an important part of the NDC’s strategy to connect with voters, particularly those in the heart of Ghana’s second-largest city.
Lordina Mahama’s decision to campaign in Kumasi’s markets is significant, as it is a strategy to engage directly with ordinary Ghanaians, including traders, workers, and the public, in a familiar environment. The Kumasi markets, such as the Kumasi Central Market, are bustling hubs where people from all walks of life gather. For the NDC, it provides a valuable opportunity to communicate its message to a broad cross-section of the population, especially voters who may feel disconnected from the political elite.
Lordina’s campaign in the markets also reflects a personal touch that resonates with many voters, as she can speak to the daily struggles of Ghanaians, particularly market women, youth, and small-scale entrepreneurs. Her presence in these spaces gives her a relatable and accessible image—one that contrasts with the sometimes formal and distant nature of political campaigns.
At the core of Lordina Mahama’s campaign efforts is the NDC’s 2024 Manifesto, which seeks to outline a vision for addressing the pressing challenges facing Ghana, including the economic crisis, rising cost of living, and youth unemployment. While the full details of the manifesto are still being released, the key focus areas likely include:
The NDC has been vocal about the need for a comprehensive economic recovery plan to stabilize Ghana’s economy, which has been under strain due to inflation, debt, and the cost of living. The manifesto likely focuses on job creation, particularly for youth, by boosting industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. The NDC is also expected to emphasize infrastructure development to support economic growth.
The party is expected to promise improved social welfare programs, such as better access to healthcare, education, and support for vulnerable groups. Lordina Mahama, with her background in social development, is likely to highlight the NDC’s commitment to improving healthcare and gender equity, as she has long been an advocate for women’s and children’s rights.
As Ghana faces a record level of debt, a major part of the NDC’s manifesto could focus on responsible fiscal management. This might include renegotiating Ghana’s external debt and reducing wasteful public spending while ensuring that essential services are adequately funded. The NDC is likely to promise a return to fiscal discipline, which is seen as crucial for stabilizing the economy.
The NDC is likely to underscore its commitment to youth empowerment, addressing the concerns of a large, young population struggling with unemployment. Initiatives could include expanding technical and vocational training and entrepreneurship programs, as well as creating more opportunities for youth to enter the workforce.
The NDC will likely also highlight its commitment to good governance, including greater transparency, accountability, and fighting corruption. After years of economic struggles under the current administration, the NDC is positioning itself as a party of change, promising to return to policies that prioritize the people over political patronage.
Lordina Mahama has long been an advocate for social issues, particularly those affecting women, children, and vulnerable groups. Her involvement in the campaign brings a humanitarian and social development focus to the NDC’s message. By engaging with people directly in the markets, she is helping to connect the party’s policies with the real concerns of the electorate. As a respected figure with a history of charitable work, her presence in Kumasi is likely to resonate with voters, particularly women and families who may feel they have been left behind in the current economic climate.
Moreover, Lordina’s grassroots approach to campaigning is a contrast to the often top-down nature of political messaging in Ghana, which tends to focus on urban elites and political insiders. Her direct engagement in the markets brings a personal touch to the NDC’s campaign, which can help humanize the party’s message and make it more relatable to ordinary Ghanaians.
Kumasi, as the capital of the Ashanti Region, holds significant political weight in Ghana. It is an important stronghold for the ruling party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), but the NDC has been working hard to make inroads in the region in recent years. By campaigning in Kumasi’s markets, the NDC is signalling its intention to reconnect with voters who may feel disconnected from national politics, particularly in areas where the economy has been hit hardest.
Kumasi’s markets also reflect the diverse makeup of the city’s population, which includes a significant number of small businesses, youth, and working-class families. For the NDC, engaging with these groups and showing empathy for their struggles could be key to winning over more supporters in this critical region.
Lordina Mahama’s campaign in Kumasi markets is a strategic move by the NDC to directly engage with voters, sell their 2024 manifesto, and present a relatable, compassionate face of the party. By connecting with the people in familiar, everyday settings, Lordina helps to build trust and understanding between the NDC and ordinary Ghanaians, particularly those who may be feeling the effects of Ghana’s ongoing economic difficulties. As the election season heats up, her campaign efforts in Kumasi are likely to play a significant role in shaping voter sentiment in one of Ghana’s most important electoral regions. In a vibrant and impactful campaign stop in Kumasi, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, wife of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, visited several major markets in the city to engage directly with traders and voters ahead of the December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections. Her visit was part of the NDC’s broader strategy to connect with Ghanaians on the ground and address key issues that resonate with ordinary citizens.
Mrs Mahama walked through sections of the bustling Racecourse Market, one of Kumasi’s largest and busiest trading hubs, where she interacted face-to-face with the traders. This direct engagement allowed her to listen to their concerns and share her husband’s vision for improving their businesses and livelihoods. Her efforts to connect personally with traders are part of the NDC’s strategy to demonstrate their commitment to grassroots issues and economic development, particularly for small business owners who are often hit hardest by inflation, high costs, and limited access to financing.
One of the significant issues Mrs. Mahama addressed during her walk-through was the misinformation being spread by opponents regarding the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. Some critics of the NDC have claimed that a potential Mahama administration would cancel the Free SHS program, which has been a flagship policy of the current government.
Mrs. Mahama passionately refuted these claims, urging market women and mothers to reject what she described as falsehoods. She reassured them that her husband, John Dramani Mahama, had never stated any intention to cancel the program. She emphasized that the NDC leader plans to improve and expand the Free SHS policy to make it more effective and inclusive.
“Some people are going around telling mothers that my husband will cancel the Free SHS policy when he becomes president. I assure you, as his wife, he has not said that anywhere. He has great plans to improve the policy to make it better,” she said.
This statement was likely aimed at calming fears among parents, especially mothers, who view the Free SHS policy as a crucial benefit for their children’s education.
In her address to the market traders, Mrs Mahama stressed the importance of voting for John Mahama and NDC parliamentary candidates in the upcoming elections. She urged the traders to support the NDC to secure a majority in Parliament, believing that this would allow the party to implement its development agenda and create a better environment for small businesses and everyday Ghanaians.
“It is important for the NDC to secure a majority in parliament. By doing so, we can ensure the success of policies that will uplift businesses, improve livelihoods, and bring true development to all,” she added.
Mrs. Mahama’s emphasis on the need for a strong parliamentary mandate underscores the NDC’s strategy to ensure that both the executive and legislative branches work together to pass progressive policies.
Throughout her campaign, Lordina Mahama has emphasized the empowerment of women, recognizing that they are often at the heart of the economy, particularly in the informal sector. Her interaction with the market women, who make up a significant portion of the population in Kumasi’s bustling markets, was a clear signal that the NDC intends to focus on the economic challenges facing women and promote policies that will support them.
The small-scale traders, many of whom are women, have been among the hardest hit by the rising cost of living and economic instability. Lordina’s call for voting NDC is not just about political support, but a broader message of economic empowerment for women and families.
Contrary to the claims of political rivals, Lordina Mahama emphasized that John Mahama would not dismantle the Free SHS policy but would work on making it better and more efficient, addressing concerns about its implementation.
By engaging with traders, Mrs. Mahama highlighted the NDC’s focus on policies that would support local businesses and create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship. The NDC’s plan to reduce taxes, simplify regulations, and provide better access to credit for small businesses could directly benefit the market traders she engaged with.
A key message of Mrs. Mahama’s campaign is the empowerment of women. Her interactions with market women showed a focus on addressing the specific challenges women face in the economy, including access to funding, education, and social support.
Mrs Mahama reiterated the importance of securing a strong NDC majority in Parliament, which she believes is essential to enacting policies that will improve the quality of life for all Ghanaians, particularly those in the informal sector.
Lordina Mahama’s visit to Kumasi markets is an example of the NDC’s commitment to grassroots campaigning and direct engagement with the electorate. By addressing key issues such as the Free SHS policy, economic challenges faced by small business owners, and the importance of women’s empowerment, Mrs Mahama is not only championing the NDC’s vision for the future but also directly addressing concerns that matter most to ordinary Ghanaians.
Her message is clear: the NDC under John Mahama is committed to improving education, supporting businesses, and ensuring that women and families are at the centre of national development. With the election drawing nearer, her campaign efforts in Kumasi are likely to play an important role in securing votes from the city’s key constituencies, particularly women and market traders who are eager for change and a better future.
During her campaign visit to Kumasi, particularly at the Kejetia Market, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama received an overwhelming and warm reception from market traders, a moment that she described as “unforgettable”. Her visit was an important part of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)’s efforts to connect with grassroots Ghanaians, particularly those in the informal sector, which plays a significant role in the country’s economy.
As Mrs Mahama walked through the bustling Kejetia Market, she was greeted with enthusiasm and warmth from the traders, many of whom expressed their appreciation for her presence. Reflecting on the support she received, Mrs Mahama shared:
“I am very pleased with the love you have shown me today. This is an unforgettable moment for me and all of us.”
The warm reception underscored her ability to connect on a personal level with market women, many of whom are key supporters of political campaigns in Ghana. It also highlighted the importance of grassroots campaigning, especially in key regions like Ashanti, where the NDC is working to make inroads.
Continuing her engagement, Mrs Mahama emphasized the NDC’s innovative policies, with a particular focus on women and children. Some of the key initiatives she highlighted included:
The NDC plans to create a specialized bank aimed at providing affordable financial services and loans to women, who often face challenges in accessing credit from traditional banks. This initiative is designed to empower women entrepreneurs, particularly in the informal sector, and help them scale their businesses. This program would offer skills training and apprenticeship opportunities for the youth, particularly young women, to help them build sustainable careers in trades and crafts, addressing the growing concern of youth unemployment.
Mrs Mahama highlighted the NDC’s commitment to expanding access to higher education, ensuring that first-year students attend university without the burden of tuition fees, and making education more accessible to young people across the country.
These policies aim to improve the economic empowerment of women, increase educational access for young people, and create job opportunities for youth, which are all critical for the country’s future growth.
During the campaign event at Kejetia, there were reports that facility managers attempted to sabotage the program by cutting power to the venue, potentially disrupting the event. However, despite these challenges, the event proceeded successfully, with Mrs Mahama delivering her message to the crowd. This shows her resilience and the determination of the NDC to engage with the people, regardless of obstacles.
Several speakers, including local NDC representatives, reiterated the party’s commitment to the Ashanti Region, particularly its economic and infrastructural development. One of the key promises was the completion of phase two of the Kejetia Market redevelopment, a project that is expected to address challenges related to overcrowding and the harsh working conditions at the market, including the intense heat. Upgrading the Racecourse Market to provide better shelter and facilities for traders was also emphasized, highlighting the NDC’s commitment to improving market conditions and creating a more conducive environment for small businesses to thrive.
Mrs Mahama also met with representatives of various markets in Kumasi to discuss their specific challenges and how the NDC’s policies would support their livelihoods. Many traders expressed concerns about the high lending rates that hinder their ability to access affordable loans to grow their businesses. The NDC’s promise of affordable loans for women and traders was widely welcomed, as it offers hope for economic relief and sustainability for small businesses that are the backbone of the informal economy.
As part of her campaign message, Mrs Mahama emphasized the importance of securing a majority in Parliament to pass policies that would benefit ordinary Ghanaians, particularly women and small business owners. She urged voters to reject misinformation and focus on the tangible policies that would improve their lives, pointing to the NDC’s track record in implementing pro-people policies during its time in office.
Mrs Mahama stressed the need for development, improved living conditions, and economic empowerment, particularly for vulnerable groups in society. The NDC’s campaign has focused heavily on the socio-economic challenges facing ordinary Ghanaians, and Mrs. Mahama’s approach during the campaign reflects this commitment.
Mrs. Lordina Mahama’s visit to Kumasi’s Kejetia Market was a significant event in the NDC’s 2024 campaign, serving as an example of grassroots engagement and a reflection of the party’s focus on the needs of everyday Ghanaians. Her interaction with market traders allowed her to share key NDC policies while directly addressing concerns about economic challenges faced by small business owners, particularly women. The Women’s Development Bank, National Apprenticeship Programme, and fee-free university policy for first-year students are examples of how the NDC plans to prioritize economic empowerment, education, and youth development.
Despite challenges like the power cut at Kejetia, the event successfully highlighted the resilience of the NDC’s campaign and its commitment to improving conditions for traders and vulnerable populations. With affordable loans and a focus on infrastructure development, the NDC’s vision for Kumasi and the broader Ashanti Region appears to be focused on economic growth, job creation, and women’s empowerment, making it a key battleground in the lead-up to the 2024 election.
