The presence of Kwame Owusu Danso, popularly known as KOD, the vice-presidential candidate of the Afrafranto Alliance, has injected unprecedented energy into the Movement for Change’s campaign in the Central Region.
As KOD moves through key constituencies in the region, his electrifying campaign style and powerful connection with the people, particularly the youth, are causing ripples, leaving the NPP scrambling to contain the momentum.
The ruling party, sensing the growing popularity of the Movement for Change, resorted to holding a hurried press conference in Cape Coast, falsely claiming that several members of the Movement had defected back to the NPP.
In towns such as Mankesim, Winneba, Ajumako, and Swedru, KOD's engagements with residents have been met with overwhelming enthusiasm. His ability to connect with voters from all walks of life, including traders, farmers, and students, has been a defining factor in his success.
The youth, in particular, have been captivated by KOD’s message, which highlights Alan Kyerematen’s 10-point plan for youth empowerment, a key component of the Great Transformational Plan (GTP).
Residents of communities like Nyakrom, Agona Asafo, Asikuma and Saltpond and their environs have expressed their excitement about the Movement for Change, noting that KOD’s campaign has rekindled their hope for a better future.
"For years, we have heard the same promises from the NPP and NDC with little change in our lives. KOD’s message is different; he is offering real solutions," said a trader in Swedru market after attending one of KOD’s rallies.
The response from the people has clearly unsettled the NPP, whose leaders are now resorting to desperate tactics. In their recent press conference in Cape Coast, the party sought to undermine the Movement for Change by claiming defections.
However, local observers and supporters of KOD quickly dismissed the allegations as baseless, seeing them as a sign that the NPP is feeling the heat in what was once considered its stronghold.
At each stop, KOD’s message of real change and economic transformation resonates strongly. In Mankesim, where he engaged market women, his promise of modernizing healthcare and agriculture through the GTP struck a chord with many.
"For the first time, I believe a politician truly understands what we need," a market woman shared after KOD spoke about Alan Kyerematen’s plans to establish Traders Bank and improve access to credit for small businesses.
In Elmina, Winneba, KOD’s meetings with fisherfolk, fishmongers and students further solidified his standing as a people’s candidate. His ability to articulate policies related to fishing, premix fuel distribution, and youth employment gave many a renewed sense of hope.
"The NPP and NDC have failed to deliver on their promises. It’s time we give Alan Cash a chance to turn things around," a youth leader from the area said.
The ripple effect of KOD’s caravan has not only re-energized the Movement for Change but has also ignited a sense of urgency within the NPP. In key towns like Essakyir and Praso, the ruling party has been forced to rethink its strategy, knowing that the presence of the Afrafranto Alliance in the region could tip the scales in the upcoming elections.
The energy KOD has brought to the region is palpable, with many residents openly expressing their support for the movement.
KOD’s policy-driven approach stands in blunt contrast to the NPP’s defensive posturing. In his engagements with the chiefs of Swedru and other traditional areas of the communities he toured, KOD emphasized the importance of involving traditional leaders in governance.
His promise to make chiefs co-trustees of natural resources and include them in the Second Chamber, as outlined in Alan Kyerematen’s GTP, has resonated deeply with many traditional authorities in the region.
As the caravan campaign continues, it’s becoming clear that the NPP’s grip on the Central Region is weakening. KOD’s presence has not only revived the Movement for Change’s fortunes in the region but also given Ghanaians a fresh alternative to the old political guard. With each passing day, more and more voters are declaring their support for the Afrafranto Movement, rejecting the NPP and NDC's failed promises.
KOD’s impact is being felt across the region, and the panic within the NPP is a testament to the growing influence of the Movement for Change. As the campaign gains momentum, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the people of the Central Region are ready for a new direction—one that promises real transformation under Alan Kyerematen’s leadership.