The Forgotten Region: Volta's Struggle for Development Under NPP

The recent visit of Dr. Bawumiah to the Volta Region is nothing but a scam of unfulfilled promises and his boss's normal political gymnastics. The Vice President's trip was meant to showcase the government's achievements in the region, but it only ended up exposing the stark reality of unfulfilled promises and broken dreams.

The people of Volta Region, like many other Ghanaians, have been suffering under the weight of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. They have been waiting for the government to fulfill its promises of jobs, infrastructure, and economic growth, but all they have gotten are empty words and broken promises.

Bawumiah's visit was meant to convince the people of Volta Region that the government is working in their interest, but it only ended up being a political stunt. The Vice President's speech was full of empty promises and political rhetoric, but lacked substance and concrete plans for the region's development.

We must not forget that there was a time when the budget was prepared, and the Volta Region was completely left out. Where was Bawumiah then? What was his comment? The deliberate agenda by Ken Ofori-Atta, the then Finance Minister, to exclude the Volta Region from the budget was a clear indication of the government's neglect and disregard for the region.

John Mahama, on the other hand, has a proven track record of delivering results and fulfilling promises. He has a vision for Ghana's development and a commitment to the truth. He will not engage in political gymnastics or make empty promises, but will work tirelessly to ensure that every Ghanaian has access to good education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

Let us reject the scam of unfulfilled promises and political gymnastics. Let us choose a leader who will deliver results and fulfill his promises. Let us elect John Mahama as our next President and bring an end to the suffering and start a new chapter of prosperity and progress."

In 2019, Volta Region was inadvertently left out of the 2020 Budget .

"The people of Volta Region have been deceived for far too long by the ruling government. In 2016, 2018, and 2020, President Nana Addo and Vice President Dr. Bawumiah visited Afife and made promises to the people. They promised that the road from Afife junction through Aborlove-Nolopi road would be constructed before they leave power. However, till date, nothing has been done.

Dr. Bawumiah, in particular, has made several promises to the people of Volta Region, including:

• In 2016, he promised to establish a factory in every district, including Volta Region, under the One District One Factory (1D1F) initiative. However, till date, no factory has been established in the region.
• In 2018, he promised to construct a new university in Volta Region. However, till date, no construction has started.
• In 2020, he promised to complete the Ho-Sokode dual carriageway, but till date, the project remains uncompleted.
• In the 2020 NPP manifesto, they promised to:
• Construct a new airport in Ho
• Establish a petroleum hub in Keta
• Develop the Keta sea defense project
• Construct a new bridge over the Volta Lake
• Establish a Volta Region Development Authority
• Build a new port in Keta, which would create jobs and boost economic growth in the region
• Construct better roads in the Keta Municipality, but till date, all roads in the municipality remain in a deplorable state and are almost unmotorable

Despite having ministers and government appointees from the Volta Region in the NPP government, including:

• John Peter Amewu (former Minister of Energy and current Minister of Railways)
• Kofi Dzamesi (former Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs)
• Paul Essien (former Deputy Minister of Transport)
• Charles Hodogbey (former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs)
• Kwame Amoako-Arthur (former Deputy Minister of Education)
• Dr. Archibald Letsa ( Volta Regional Minister)
• Maj. Courage Quarshigah (former Minister of Health)

As far as I am concerned, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) as a party, including those in positions of power, do not have anything positive for the region, let alone any positive mindset about the region. Their actions and inactions have consistently shown that they do not care about the development and well-being of the people of Volta Region. There is a saying that , “The dog that will get lost will not hear the whistle of the hunter.” The NPP’s neglect of the Volta Region will only lead to further suffering and division, and it is time for the people to take a stand and demand better.

Consistently, they have said that even if they do something for the people of Volta Region, they will not vote for the NPP. This has been their excuse for not developing the region, knowing that should there be a change of government, which is possible, the new government will construct roads and develop the region for them. With this mentality, how can we move forward? This is not happening in other areas I know, where development is ongoing, and people are benefiting from their government.

The NPP government has still failed to deliver on their promises to the people of Volta Region. It's unacceptable that despite these promises, the roads in Keta Municipality are still in a terrible condition, making it difficult for people to move around and access basic services. It's time for the people of Volta Region to hold the government accountable for their promises. It's time for a change, and John Mahama is the leader who can bring that change."

I need to draw some of the people on something very heartbreaking which I humbly state that, in the world of politics, words can be powerful tools for inspiration or division. Unfortunately, some political leaders have used their words to perpetuate negative stereotypes and biases, causing harm to individuals and communities. I still want to state that, instances where stalwarts of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) made comments perceived as negative or controversial regarding the Volta Region. It is essential to consider the full context and potential biases before making judgments.

1. John Boadu, NPP General Secretary (2018)

In an interview with GhanaWeb, John Boadu stated, "The Volta Region is not a stronghold of the NPP, and we won't waste our resources there." This comment sparked outrage among Volta Region residents, who felt it demonstrated the NPP's lack of interest in their welfare.

2. Kofi Dzamesi, former Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs (2019)

Kofi Dzamesi remarked, "The people of Volta Region are not grateful for the development projects undertaken by the NPP government" (MyJoyOnline). This statement was seen as dismissive and disrespectful to the people of Volta Region, who have long been advocating for more development projects in their area.

3. Sammy Awuku, former NPP Youth Organizer (2018)

Sammy Awuku stated, "The Volta Region is a den of the opposition NDC, and we won't bother campaigning there" (GhanaiansTimes). This comment reinforced the perception that the NPP views the Volta Region as an opposition stronghold, rather than an integral part of Ghana worthy of attention and development.

With these stalwarts' mindset against the people of Volta Region, it is puzzling how they expect to see development in the region. The people of Volta Region are citizens and an integral part of Ghana, deserving of equal attention and development opportunities. The NPP's negative rhetoric and bias towards the region only perpetuate division and hinder progress.

Furthermore, it is hypocritical for the NPP to seek divine favor when they have neglected the region for so long. During the 2016 campaign, mystical powers and rituals were performed to ensure their victory, and they have enjoyed the fruits of power, with some receiving lucrative positions as ministers, CEOs, and board members. Meanwhile, the Volta Region has suffered for eight years, with no significant development or improvement in living standards. It is unfair to seek divine intervention when their actions have caused harm to the region. The gods are not to be blamed for the NPP's failures; their actions are the result of their own neglect and biases.

We have suffered under the NPP's rule for the past eight years, and now they want us to trust them again? It's like saying we should trust a handguard who has failed us before. We won't fall for that again. The people of Volta Region should not trust Bawumiah and the NPP. Instead, they should ignore them and give unprecedented votes to the NDC to better develop the region. Bawumiah's promise to develop the region if given power is empty; he heads the Economic Management Team, and his cups are full. We won't be fooled again. Thank you.

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