The youth in Sekondi-Takoradi, who protested against the inadequate development in the twin cities, have refuted claims by regional ministers labeling them as members of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The leadership of the group emphasized that the residents of Sekondi-Takoradi merit improved conditions and rebuked the minister for exhibiting signs of overbearing authority.
According to Maquoiu Mensah, the Public Relations Officer of the “Sekondi-Takoradi Deserves Better”, the demonstrators comprised individuals from diverse political affiliations and interest groups, highlighting the non-partisan nature of the demonstration.
“We still stand by our call for authorities to prioritize development regardless of their political affiliation. We are compelled to remind our honorable minister of his past. Not so long ago, he was an aspiring member of parliament. At that time, you sought the support of everyone, including NPP members and NDC; to go there and vote for him.”
Maquoiu Mensah
He further urged the minister to reflect on their requests.
“It is our sincere hope that the intoxication of power has not blinded him to the needs of his constituents and the people of this region. Power is transient and he is urged to reflect on his actions and the missed opportunities in our metropolis and our region.”
Maquoiu Mensah,
However, he chastised Mr Darko-Mensah, the western Region Minister, for not being a listening leader saying that “as a leader, he has failed to listen to the concerns and voices of the people but we want to assure him that this is just the beginning.”
“We want better and we are going to get better”, he stressed.
Furthermore, Mr Maquoiu Mensah assured the demonstrators of the wide support they have from the community.
“As a group, the entire metropolis is behind us and our call for development will not be weakened by cheap framings from our minister. We know that this is a stock in trade, politicians; it is easy for them to change attention, focusing on the irrelevant name-calling and not talking about the issues on the ground.
“Don’t worry, we are going to ignore the attacks and focus on the main issue. Focus on getting the Secondi-Takoradi to the level it deserves.”
Maquoiu Mensah,
He charged the minister to speak to the issues they have raised instead.
“If the minister has self-dignity, we challenge him to address the issues one by one. Not just the roads, what about the C&C, what about the stadium, what about the traffic lights, what about the street lights, what about Afia Kwanta Hospital, what about Takoradi Hospital?
“Address those issues and stop the name-calling. We are aware of their schemes.”
Maquoiu Mensah,
Regional Minister Tags Demonstrators
This follows the refusal of the minister to receive the petition of the demonstrators in person and subsequently tagging them as NDC members.
Reports also indicate that though he was present in his office, the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, could not meet with protestors who had in hand a petition.
Subsequently, he participated in an interview, minimizing the significance of the demonstration, and citing what he perceived as low turnout. He suggested that the limited participation was indicative that the situation in Takoradi and Sekondi was not as dire as portrayed by the demonstrators.
The protestors, mainly residents of Secondi-Takoradi, are demanding extra attention from the government for the nation’s most resourced region.
Among other things, the protestors are asking the government to address the poor road infrastructure and economic decline within the region. They are also demanding job opportunities and an end to the high cost of living.
Again, all abandoned projects should be completed while basic infrastructure and necessities are provided.
READ ALSO: National Security’s See Something, Say Something Gone Wrong
