In a surprising development, Sarikin Zongo of Asokore Zongo and Chairman of the Zongo Chiefs in the Ashanti Region, Sariki Muntaka Mohammed, has switched allegiance to the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
This move is seen as a significant setback for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), which has traditionally enjoyed strong support from Zongo communities.
Sources reveal that Sariki Muntaka Mohammed made the announcement during a gathering of Zongo chiefs and elders, where he expressed his appreciation to the NPP for selecting Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as their presidential candidate.
He explained that, despite being a long-time member of the NDC, he hasn’t witnessed any meaningful change and has therefore chosen to support the NPP.
The Zongo chief’s defection is considered a major win for the NPP, which has been working to build support within Muslim communities. Dr. Bawumia, a Muslim, has been pivotal in these efforts.
Sariki Muntaka Mohammed’s endorsement of Dr. Bawumia carries weight, as he is a highly respected figure in the Zongo communities.
He urged his fellow Muslims to commend the NPP for presenting the first Muslim presidential candidate in Ghana’s political history.
This defection is expected to influence the upcoming elections by potentially drawing more Zongo votes toward the NPP.
The NPP will aim to leverage Sariki Muntaka Mohammed’s influence to attract additional Muslim voters, while the NDC will likely focus on preventing further defections.
Historically, the Zongo communities have been strong supporters of the NDC, but in recent years, some Muslim leaders have expressed dissatisfaction with the party.
The NPP, with Dr. Bawumia at the forefront, has been capitalizing on this dissatisfaction to strengthen its appeal among Muslim voters.
