The Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama during his campaign tour in the Savannah Region, sharply criticized the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government for failing to complete its critical DRIP road infrastructure projects, particularly the Tamale-Salaga road.
Speaking passionately to a crowd, Mahama highlighted the lack of progress on essential road projects across the country, despite the NPP’s claims of development.
He promised that if elected, his administration would prioritize completing these unfinished projects, including a significant upgrade to the Tamale-Salaga road.
John Mahama expressed frustration at the NPP’s report of completing kilometers of roads, saying these claims are exaggerated and do not reflect the reality on the ground.
He noted the poor conditions of several key roads in regions he has visited, particularly in the northern areas, which remain neglected despite NPP promises.
“They’ve seen the nature of the roads, and anytime I say this until you travel on those roads, you won’t know what I’m talking about. I’ve been to 7 regions now. The 12,000 kilometers of roads they say they’ve done. They should come and show us where those roads are, because we can’t find those roads.”
John Dramani Mahama Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
John Mahama specifically pointed to abandoned road projects such as the Tamale-Salaga-Makango road, which was under construction during his tenure but has remained dilapidated since the NPP took over.
“Tamale, Salaga Makango was given on contract, and work was ongoing until we left office, and after we left office and after to come back 8 years later and see the roads still in this condition, then you wonder where those 12,000 kilometers of roads are.”
John Dramani Mahama Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
NPP’s Mismanagement of Funds for Equipment
John Mahama further criticized the NPP government for its handling of the District Road Improvement Program (DRIP) and its misuse of the District Assembly Common Fund.
According to John Mahama, the NPP government only managed to pay 15% of the equipment costs, leaving the next government to handle the remaining 85%.
“They’ve mortgaged the common fund and paid only 15% down payment. The NDC is going to win this election. It means that 85% of the payment for the DRIP equipment is going to be done by an NDC government.”
John Dramani Mahama Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
He also condemned the NPP for prematurely taking credit for these purchases, saying they had no right to plaster their campaign posters on equipment bought with public funds. He emphasized; “Nobody has a right to paste his posters on those equipments because the equipment belongs to the people of Ghana.”
Commitment to Agriculture and Economic Development
John Mahama pledged to revitalize agriculture and local economies through the establishment of Farmer Service Centers in each district, with each center fully equipped with tractors, harrows, plows, and other necessary farming tools.
“We’re going set up Farmer Service Centers in all the districts… Each Farmer Service Center is going have 15 tractors, harrows, plows, planters, fertilizer, everything that you need for agriculture.”
John Dramani Mahama Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Additionally, John Mahama emphasized the need for a 24-hour economy, which would allow businesses to operate for extended hours, driving productivity and economic growth.
He mentioned that this shift would require changes to labor and tax laws, which his administration would prioritize.
“We’re going come with a 24-hour economy policy, which is going to allow businesses to run more than 8 hours a day [and] we have to amend the labor laws…and amend some of the customs and tax laws so that we can give incentives to the businesses that would run the 24-hour economy.”
John Dramani Mahama Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC)
Call to Reclaim NDC Districts and Chase NPP Out
As part of his concluding remarks, Mahama encouraged the crowd to rally behind the NDC and reclaim districts currently under NPP control, particularly those created by the NDC. He reiterated; “We created this district. This is an NDC district, there’s no reason why this district is in the hands of the NPP.”
He vowed to chase the NPP, symbolized by the elephant, out of these regions and back into the bush, ensuring that the NDC regains its stronghold in such areas. He asserted; “We’re going chase the elephant out of this constituency and chase it back into the bush.”
John Mahama’s speech reflected his determination to not only address the failures of the NPP but also bring about transformational change, particularly in road infrastructure and agriculture.
He assured Ghanaians that his administration would tackle unfinished projects head-on and introduce policies that promote economic growth, including a 24-hour economy.
His promise to upgrade the Tamale-Salaga road, along with his critique of the NPP’s mismanagement, was a clear call for voters to put their trust in the NDC come election time.
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