A clear division has emerged among traders in the Ashanti Region, following a declaration of support for John Dramani Mahama, flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), made during the NDC Women’s Manifesto launch at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi.

Nana Akosua Pokua, Ashanti Regional Deputy Ahweniehemaa, had publicly apologised on behalf of traders for not supporting Mahama in previous elections.

She expressed regret, noting that despite Mr. Mahama’s contributions to the region’s development, they had voted for the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), which she claimed has failed to deliver the needed progress.

However, the declaration has caused a rift among the traders.

On Wednesday, 2 October 2024, traders at Kumasi’s Racecourse Market held a press conference, distancing themselves from Nana Pokua’s remarks.

Some traders, wearing NPP-branded shirts and ‘Ashanti Women for Bawumia’ t-shirts, rejected the notion that they had shifted allegiance to the NDC, stating that Nana Pokua’s statements do not reflect the views of all traders in the region.

According to these traders, the NPP government has significantly improved their lives, with some highlighting the Free Senior High School policy as a major benefit to their families.

 They dismissed Nana Pokua’s claims as "palpably false."

Baffour Gyau, Spokesperson for the Racecourse Market Queenmother, further clarified that although they previously threatened to withhold their votes in the upcoming election, they have now resolved to fully participate and vote massively in favor of the NPP.