The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has taken a swipe at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) flagbearer, Dr. Alhaji Mamudu Bawumia over what it described as empty promises during his recent campaign tour of the Volta region.
Addressing a press conference in Ho on Monday, October 29, Volta regional Chairman of the NDC, Comrade Mawutor Agbavitor said, Dr. Bawumia’s messages to the people of the Volta region during his tour “were filled with nothing more than pseudo and hollow promises.”
“Let me start by stating that Alhaji Bawumia has, as typical of him, failed to offer any specific, actionable message or concrete plans tailored to the expectations of the people of the Volta Region. This is in stark contrast to former President John Dramani Mahama, who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the people of this region.
Agbavitor noted that, unlike Dr. Bawumia, John Mahama has laid out a comprehensive plan that includes the revitalization of the Juapong Textiles Factory, the establishment of satellite UHAS campuses in Keta and Battor, the development of the Keta-Denu-Ho and Eastern Corridor roads, and the provision of essential infrastructure like water supply, a military hospital, a quaternary hospital, and a modern market in Aflao.
“These certainly are not empty promises but practical projects specifically aimed at improving the lives of the people in the Volta Region.On the other hand, Alhaji Bawumia has given no such assurance. He made a vague promise to construct a sea defense wall in Ketu South, yet this critical project is notably absent from his party’s manifesto. If Alhaji Bawumia were genuinely committed to protecting our coastal communities from tidal waves, he would have ensured this project was prioritized.
The Volta regional NDC Chairman noted that the sea defense project was initiated under President Mahama’s administration but was callously abandoned by the current NPP government shortly after they took office.
“Alhaji Bawumia’s indifference to the plight of tidal wave victims is evident; he has never shown up to offer comfort to those affected. Instead, he chose to prioritize meetings with party delegates over the victims of a natural disaster—a clear testament to his lack of empathy for the people of Volta Region. Even more concerning is his running mate, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh (Napo), who once threatened to lead a protest in Kumasi if government funds were allocated to support tidal wave victims.”
Such remarks, Agbavitor noted go a very long way to copiously underscore the deep-seated disrespect and disregard the Bawumia-Napo ticket has for the people of Volta Region.
“Their actions reveal a troubling hypocrisy; they attempt to court our support but consistently show contempt toward our people and our sufferings. Also, at Juapong in the North Tongu, the failed Chairman of the Economic Management Team (EMT) of the NPP government promised to revive the Juapong textile factory if he is elected president. The question is can this be found in the NPP manifesto? What has he done about that factory since he became the failed chairman of the EMT? Clearly, this promise like many that were made by Alhaji Bawumia were not backed by any strong evidence of commitment.”
He observed that there were still a lot of people in the Tongu enclave who are displaced and homeless as result of the reckless Akosombo Dam spillage, but this did not catch the attention of Bawumia during his tour of the region, adding that the failed chairman of the EMT and his government is yet to resettle a single individual after thirteen months.
“Is it not surprising that Alhaji Bawumia would still be talking about the construction of Ho to Tokor road in the year 2024? Was this not the same road they told us in 2019 (the year of roads budget) that they will construct? Can any right-thinking person believe Alhaji Bawumia and the NPP for promising us that they will construct the Ho – Tokor road after five years of no evidence of even procurement processes taking place for the construction of that crucial road that links the capital to the southern Volta,” Agbavitor questioned.
“Let me quickly remind you that this road is on record to be awarded to AMANDI CONSTRUCTION in 2016 by the erstwhile Mahama administration pending the completion of the Ho Airport. The NPP government came to office and pretended that there was no such contract and left the road to deteriorate to the current unmotorable nature we find it. Now, let us address the illusion created around Bawumia’s “crowds” during his visit. The reality is far from the picture his handlers painted. We are reliably informed that the crowds we saw were not organic but largely fabricated, with people bussed in from neighboring constituencies, enticed by the promise of food and money. However, the organizers failed to fulfill these promises, leaving those who attended angry and disappointed. Reports from Keta indicate attendees were even fed rotten tomatoes—a symbol of the contempt this NPP administration holds for our people. Similar scenarios unfolded in Kpando and Vakpo in the North Dayi Constituency. This was no genuine support; it was an orchestrated deception, meant only to tickle Alhaji Bawumia and the NPP’s ego.We also saw selective praise from certain chiefs during Alhaji Bawumia’s tour. But let us be clear: these obviously are isolated voices and are not reflective of the collective views of the people of the Volta Region. For example, Togbui Acolatse V, Dufia of Kedzi may have offered flattering words, but his affiliations with the NPP is no secret. Togbui Acolatse even contested an NPP primary in Adenta against a former MP and NPP Communications Director. His position does not represent that of the people of Keta, who have a clear understanding of who truly has their interests at heart.
The Clergy, according to Comrade Agbavitor were not left out of the NPP machinations during their staged manage campaign tour of the region.
“At Dzodze in the Ketu North Constituency, the Pastor, who spoke purportedly on behalf of the clergy, showering obviously very untruth accolades on Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, has since expressed regret, clarifying that his statements were made under undue pressure and did not reflect his genuine personal views or those of the wider Clergy. He has, on their WhatsApp platform, formally withdrawn his remarks and apologized to his fellow clergymen and the community for any
misunderstandings his statements may have caused.
We commend his courage in setting the record straight and believe his apology reflects his commitment to honesty and integrity.
The Muslim communities were not left out of the deceptive politic of the NPP Flagbearer, Alhaji Bawumia promised to build a Mosque for the Muslem community in Ketu South some years ago without any action on the ground up till date. How can the people trust you when you now come telling them you will provide them with solar-powered outboard motor?
In his final remarks, Comrade Agbavitor reiterated that John Dramani Mahama and the NDC remained the true hope for the Volta Region and its people.
“His track record speaks for itself, and his dedication to transforming our region is unwavering. Only under his leadership can we achieve the development and progress we so richly deserve. He certainly is the most capable hand that can reset this country and redirect it onto the path of progress and development.”
By Leo Nelson || Ghananewsonline.com.gh