The Concerned Citizens of Jomoro in the Western Region have issued a strong statement demanding that the government fulfil its promises of road development before proceeding with plans for the establishment of a $12 billion Petroleum Hub in the municipality.
The group’s spokesperson, Joel Samuel Ndede, in a statement, expressed deep frustration over the unfulfilled commitments made by the governing New Patriotic Party administration and its flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
“In October 2020, during the run-up to the last general elections, Vice President Dr Bawumia assured us of the construction of the crucial Samenye Barrier to Jaway Wharf road. This 108.8 km road project was presented as a lifeline that would enhance transportation, boost local trade, and significantly improve the lives of our farmers, businesspeople, and residents.
“However, nearly four years later, these promises remain unfulfilled, and our roads continue to deteriorate, exacerbating the hardships faced by our community”.
Joel Samuel Ndede, Spokesperson for the Concerned Citizens of Jomoro
Doubts Over the Proposed Petroleum Hub
The group’s spokesperson, Joel Samuel Ndede further expressed doubts over the government’s latest promises to establish a $12 billion Petroleum Hub within the Jomoro municipality.
While acknowledging the potential benefits of such a project, Joel Samuel Ndede, the spokesperson for the Concerned Citizens of Jomoro, expressed scepticism about the government’s ability to deliver, given its track record of unfulfilled commitments.
Mr Ndede emphasized that the community cannot trust in the grand vision of a petroleum hub when the government has failed to deliver on the much smaller but crucial road infrastructure project, the municipality urgently needs.
Call for Immediate Action
In a fervent call to action, the Concerned Citizens of Jomoro urged the government to prioritize and fulfil its promise to construct the Samenye to Jaway Wharf road, estimated to cost less than $170 million, before any further discussions on the petroleum hub.
The group’s spokesperson, Mr Ndede emphasized that the road project is the municipality’s highest priority and should be completed before the upcoming general elections, adding that the people of Jomoro deserve “better than hollow promises and delayed actions”.
“The credibility of the NPP and Dr. Bawumia is at stake. We have witnessed years of unfulfilled promises and a lack of tangible development in Nzema land. The continuous neglect and disregard for our needs have left us feeling betrayed and taken for granted”.
Joel Samuel Ndede, Spokesperson for the Concerned Citizens of Jomoro
Concerns Over Land Acquisition
Adding to the concerns, the Concerned Citizens of Jomoro expressed grave dismay over land acquisition for the Petroleum Hub project.
The group’s statement noted that the signing off of 20,000 acres by Nana Annor Adjaye III, the paramount chief of the area raises significant concerns about transparency and fairness.
According to the group, the history of land acquisitions in the Jomoro Municipality is often marred with controversies and a lack of proper consultation with the real landowners, particularly, the stools, families, and individuals of Jomoro.
In light of these issues, the Concerned Citizens of Jomoro emphasized the critical need for the government to halt any further actions on the petroleum hub until the promised road infrastructure is completed and all matters surrounding the land acquisition are addressed.
The group also demanded a thorough environmental and social impact assessment for all proposed projects and transparent negotiations with the actual landowners.
In a rallying call to its fellow citizens, the group called for vigilance and unity, with the group’s spokesperson, Mr Ndede underscoring the need for accountability.
“We must not be swayed by empty promises and must hold our leaders accountable. We deserve a government that respects and fulfils its commitments to its people. It is time for the government to act with integrity and honour its promises to the people of Jomoro”.
Joel Samuel Ndede, Spokesperson for the Concerned Citizens of Jomoro
The Concerned Citizens of Jomoro concluded its statement by vowing its commitment to continue advocating for the rights and demanding the development of its fellow citizens, underscoring the critical importance of road infrastructure to the development of the Jomoro Municipality and its environs.
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