Tensions between the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) are rising as Ghana prepares for its December 7, 2024, presidential and parliamentary elections. A group of Fulani women recently vented their frustrations on social media about the NDC, claiming that they were marginalized and subjected to discrimination within the party.
Despite their devotion and allegiance, the women, who identified as NDC members, said the party did not value them. In particular, they brought up Samira Bawumia, the Fulani-descended wife of NPP presidential candidate Mahamudu Bawumia. Because to the NDC's alleged discrimination against Fulanis, the ladies declared that they would vote against the party, stressing that Samira's ethnicity shouldn't be a hindrance to her becoming First Lady. They said: "Enough is enough, those who don't want Fulani descendant Samira Bawumia to become Ghana's first lady can pack themselves and leave ghana."
In Ghana, the Fulani minority has long been marginalized and subjected to prejudice. The women's outburst reveals the community's long-standing annoyances and sense of alienation. Recognizing the value of diversity and inclusivity is crucial as Ghana gets ready for its elections. The rights of the Fulani community must be upheld, and their concerns must be handled. Unity and equality must be given top priority by the NDC and NPP in order to make sure that all Ghanaians, irrespective of their background or race, feel appreciated and represented.
Ghana waits anxiously for the drama to play out as the country prepares for what will be a crucial election. Will the Fulani community's worries be addressed by the NDC, or will the NPP take use of Samira Bawumia's capacity as first lady to create history? Time will tell.