Deputy Majority Leader, Emmanuel Armah Kofi-Buah, has taken the administration of President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo to the cleaners accusing it of superintending over several unfilled promises to the Western Region, leaving the region worse than they inherited eight years ago.
According to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Elembelle Constituency in the Western Region, the handling of infrastructure projects in the region under the current dispensation has been disastrous.
Addressing major issues troubling the development of the region in a write-up ahead of the December elections, the NDC stalwart pointed out several flaws accounting for the government’s failure in the Western Region.
“As I traverse the various parts of our beloved Western Region—from Half-Assini to Elubo to Tarkwa to Sekondi-Takoradi, Amenfi West to Amenfi East and virtually every corner of the region, I am confronted with a sobering truth: our once-thriving region has been reduced to a shadow of its former self under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government”
Explaining the details, he said, “The stark reality is that, under their leadership, the Western Region has languished, its development stunted, and its people left to grapple with neglect”.
THE EMPTY PROMISES OF THE NPP
On promises made against fulfilment, the Deputy Majority Leader said “The litany of unfulfilled promises made by the NPP is both alarming and disheartening.
“The NPP government, in its bid to secure our votes, made grand declarations about transforming our region into an oil services hub with world-class port facilities. They pledged to construct a new regional hospital, rehabilitate the Effia-Nkwanta Hospital, and modernize the Takoradi Port. They spoke of establishing an Accident and Emergency Centre in Takoradi and an oil refinery in Sekondi-Takoradi.
Yet, these promises remain largely unfulfilled, leaving our roads, healthcare system and infrastructure in a state of disrepair” he said.
Recalling his personal achievements in the region under the previous administration against the current happenings, the lawmaker said, “The Aggressive Rural Electrification Programme we embarked on in the region during my tenure as Minister of Energy was truncated, leaving many communities in the region struggling to access electricity in this modern age”.
THE NDC: A PROVEN BLUEPRINT FOR PROGRESS
Highlighting the performance of the NDC in government, the legislator said “The stark contrast, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President John Dramani Mahama have a demonstrated commitment, to prioritizing the development of the Western Region.
As H.E John Dramani Mahama aptly stated, “The Western Region is one of the most important regions in this country because of its enormous contribution to the advancement of Ghana.”
This, acknowledgement, he underscored, reflected in the significant achievements chalked during President Mahama’s administration, which included expanded power sector projects, roads, infrastructure, and many social amenities.
“The developmental projects of the erstwhile NDC administration in the region include but are not limited to the following:
- Takoradi Port Expansion: Under Mahama’s leadership, significant expansions were made to the Takoradi Port, enhancing its capacity to facilitate trade and commerce.
- Atuabo Gas Processing Plant: The establishment of this facility has been a game-changer for the energy sector, providing gas for power generation and industrial use.
- ENI Onshore Receiving Facility at Sanzule: This facility has improved the management of gas resources and contributed to the region’s economic growth.
- Quantum LPG Terminal PLC: A private sector-led initiative, which has helped to curtail the LPG line in Ghana and reduced our country’s LPG imports by 50%
- Sekondi Fishing Harbour Phase 2. This project, he said has greatly improved the fishing industry’s infrastructure, benefiting local fishermen and the economy.
- Sekondi-Takoradi-KojoKrom Railway Lines: The revival and expansion of railway services have improved transportation and connectivity in the region.
- Construction of Multiple Community High Schools: Schools such as Sankor Community High School, Gwiraman Community High School, Samraboi Community Day School, and Manso Amenfi Community Day School were built, enhancing educational opportunities for our youth.
- Tarkwa-Bogoso-Anyanfuri Road: This vital road project improved transportation and access to markets for communities along the route.
- Apimnim to Elubo International Road: The upgrading of this international road has facilitated trade and movement between Ghana and neighbouring countries.
- Takoradi Library Complex: This facility has provided a valuable resource for education and community engagement.
- Tarkwa Government Hospital: The hospital was expanded and upgraded to better serve the healthcare needs of the community.
- Doctors and Nurses Flat / 120 Bed Takoradi Hospital Project: Although this project faced challenges and was abandoned, it reflects the ambitious plans of the past administration to improve healthcare infrastructure.
- Sekondi Youth Center: This center, has provided a space for youth development and engagement.
- Teachers Resource Center (Sekondi): This facility has supported the professional development of educators in the region.
- Industrial Drive: Through government facilitation and support several factories were established, including Diamond Cement Factory, Twyford Ceramics Factory, Karma Distilleries Factory, and others. They all created jobs and stimulated the local economy.
- Cold Stores at Shama, New Takoradi, and Half Assini: These facilities have supported the fishing and agricultural industries by reducing post-harvest losses.
- Upgrading of the Bogoso Health Center to Policlinic under Euroject Project: This upgrade has improved healthcare delivery in the Bogoso area.
- Extension of Ghana Gas to Prestea: This project powered mining companies in the enclave, boosting local economic activity.
- Equipping the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital: The introduction of modern medical equipment, including MRI scanners which has improved healthcare services in the region.