The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has criticized the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government for its perceived failure to deliver on promises and for its handling of infrastructure projects, particularly in the Ashanti Region.
Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC’s National Communications Officer, expressed disappointment at the government’s slow progress on projects initiated by the government in the Ashanti region.
“Even though the Ashanti region has always voted overwhelmingly for the governing NPP, that political tradition has not kept faith with the good people of Ashanti over the years. It therefore comes to us as no surprise, that after nearly eight (8) years in government, the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration has very little to show relative to significant developmental projects in the Ashanti region.”
Sammy Gyamfi, NDC National Communications Officer
This criticism comes amidst broader criticisms of the government’s economic policies, including its borrowing practices and expenditure on state banquets and other non-essential items, while neglecting public services and infrastructure development.
Lawyer Sammy Gyamfi highlighted that, the current Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government is the most resourced in history, “having had access to a total resource envelope of over GHS820 billion in the last seven (7) years.”
Also supporting these claims is Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Region Secretary of the NDC, indicated that the government, particularly President Akufo-Addo, has shown a deliberate lack of attention and allocation of resources to foster the growth of the Ashanti Region.
“We believe that the Ashanti region has been sidelined, so far as development is concerned. And it’s even reflected in his appointments, ministers, Chief Executives, and others. We believe that this current NPP set-up has nothing to offer the Ashanti region,”
Frank Amoakohene, NDC Ashanti Regioal Secretary
Mr. Amoakohene urged the electorate to consider voting out the NPP in the upcoming 2024 polls, citing their dissatisfaction with the perceived neglect of the Ashanti Region by the government.
Meanwhile, Simon Osei-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister was rendered speechless when questioned about the projects undertaken by his party, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), for the region’s residents. Although he managed to mention four projects, he faltered and fell silent when pressed for more.
“We have completed the Zipline project which is at Mampong… go and look at Bosomtwe Girls… By the end of April, you will see that planes can land at the airport… baby and mother unit that Auntie Rebecca came to commission is also our project.”
Simon Osei-Mensah, Ashanti Regional Minister
Just before this, the minister had challenged the National Democratic Congress to present ten legacy projects they had initiated in the Ashanti Region. However, it became apparent that he couldn’t offer the same level of detail when questioned about his own party’s accomplishments.
In response, Sammy Gyamfi touted the significant developmental projects the NDC undertook in the Ashanti region which include: Kumasi Airport redevelopment Phase 1, Redevelopment of Kejetia Market- Phase 1, Atonsu market redevelopment, Tafo market redevelopment, Asawase market redevelopment, and the Ultra-modern Eye Center at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH).
Other projects are the Construction and completion of Rotary Park, Adugyama Community Day SHS (Eblock), Adobewura Community Day SHS (Eblock), Juaso Banka Community Day SHS (Eblock) and Offinso Asuoso Community Day SHS (Eblock).
“Our NPP friends must bow their heads in shame for monumentally failing and taking for granted the good people of the Ashanti Region. The day of accountability is fast approaching and there will be no hiding place left for the failed Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government.”
Sammy Gyamfi, NDC National Communications Officer
Sammy Gyamfi stated that “this list is not exhaustive, as it excludes significant road projects and several other major projects that were either initiated or completed by the erstwhile NDC government between 2009-2016 in the Ashanti region.”
The NDC’s criticisms of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government are multifaceted, covering economic policies, public service delivery, and governance issues. The NDC argues that the government has failed to deliver on its promises and has mismanaged public funds, leading to a decline in public services and infrastructure development.
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