“The promises are too much we are tired!” Volta Chiefs to Prez. Mahama

• Posted on June 3, 2014
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Chiefs in the Volta Region are up in arms against the Mahama administration over the litany of unfulfilled promises made to the people of the region.

“We are getting tired…anytime we meet and talk about the development of the region, the promises are repeated…always promises, repetition of promises.

“The promises are too much. Every now and then there is one promise or the other,” the angry chiefs said during a recent meeting in Ho, the regional capital.

Grievances

The grievances by members of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs (VRHC) were expressed when the President of the House, Togbe Afede XIV and the Regional Minister, Hellen Adwoa Ntoso addressed the House during its second general meeting in Ho recently.

The Paramount Chief of the Avatime and Bator Traditional Areas, Osie Adza Tekpor VII and Togbe Katamia Dzekle respectively, did not mince words when they expressed disappointment in the government for its continued promises although earlier ones were yet to be fulfilled.

Osie wondered why the alternative route from Accra to the Volta Region (Tema-Sogakofe-Addidome-Ho road) was not constructed before the Adomi bridge was closed for repair works, noting that it was cutting the region from the rest of the country.

He was particularly unhappy with a section of the Mafi-Adaklu-Ho road, which he said had no road marks and “simple road signs”, hence causing accidents.

This, he noted, was causing apathy among residents.

“Our people are suffering; our people are cursing and making negative statements…Some say they have regretted voting for the NDC.”

Osie Adza Tekpor therefore warned that “we shouldn’t be treated as second rate citizens of this country.”

Togbe Dzekle, on his part, said there was no sense in starting new projects when old ones were uncompleted, and in some cases had been abandoned.

The President of the House and Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede, in his address, also expressed worry over several uncompleted projects in the country, particularly in the region.

He, however, commended the government for its commitment towards the establishment of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), saying the structures of the Sokode Site were at advanced stages.

Eastern Corridor Road

He therefore called on government to fulfill its promise to execute the eastern corridor road project, which he noted, was at a standstill.

He also appealed to government to fast-track the completion of three bungalows of the House which construction started over 40 years ago.

He announced that the Netherlands government had released €4 million and $26 million grants for vegetable farmers and rural enterprises in the country and urged Voltarians to take advantage of the facilities.

Trade Investment Fair

He also announced the inception of an annual Volta-Ningxia Province – China trade investment fair investment in the region.

He called on all stakeholders, particularly the youth, to unite in developing the region.

Nana Soglo Allo, the Vice President of the House, also called on the government to, as a matter of urgency, ensure the completion of the Adidome-Ho road to ease the challenges of motorists and passengers.

He also entreated the Mahama administration to tar the alternative route through the Akuse Dam site to reduce traffic and the delay in using the ferry.

Minister’s Response

The Regional Minister, Hellen Ntoso, who was apparently sobered by the comments by the traditional rulers, assured them that their plight had been well noted and that the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) was compiling all uncompleted projects in the region to facilitate their completion.

She called on the municipal and district assemblies to collaborate with the chiefs for sustained development.

Recently, the Awomefia of Anlo, Togbui Sri III, was reported to have complained about the lack of development in his traditional area despite the chorus of ‘Better Ghana’ by the government and its spin doctors.

From Fred Duodu