Afram Plains is part of Kwahu, our chiefs must advocate for its development – Afram Plains South MP

Joseph Appiah Boateng, the Member of Parliament for Afram Plains South, popularly known as JAB1, has made a heartfelt appeal to the chiefs and influential figures of Kwahu to actively advocate for the development of Afram Plains.

Despite being part of Kwahu, Afram Plains has been largely neglected, leaving the onus of development efforts solely on the shoulders of its Members of Parliament.

JAB1 emphasizes that development is a collective responsibility and urges all stakeholders, including local chiefs and government ministers, to join in the call for progress in the region.

The MP's plea follows a recent incident involving the breakdown of the Afram Plains ferry on the Afram River. Reports from Agoo FM indicate that the ferry malfunctioned shortly after the Transport and Cargo Unions in Kwahu threatened to demonstrate against the Volta Lake Transport Authority.

The ferry, which was carrying numerous passengers and trucks loaded with goods, became stranded while en route from Adawsu to Ekye-Amanfrom on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at around 11:00 AM, just 100 meters from its destination.

Eyewitnesses reported that local boat operators had to intervene, using their skills to push the heavily laden ferry to shore. After offloading the passengers and goods, they managed to push the empty ferry back to Adawsu to resume operations.

The incident left many passengers and truck drivers stranded, with some drivers opting to take a much longer alternative route from Ekye-Amanfrom through Agogo to reach their destinations.

The breakdown of the ferry underscores ongoing issues with the Volta Lake Transport Authority, which the Cargo and Transport Association in Kwahu had highlighted earlier in the week.

On Monday, July 8, 2024, the association announced plans for a large-scale demonstration, citing the authority's failure to address critical problems affecting the ferry service and the deteriorating condition of the ferry yard.

Speaking on Agoo FM, Joseph Appiah Boateng stressed that a unified effort is essential for initiating change. He revealed that he and other political leaders from Afram Plains South and North had recently met with the Volta Lake Transport Authority to seek solutions to the ferry-related problems. According to the MP, many of the issues were addressed shortly after this stakeholder meeting.

JAB1 expressed his support for the demonstrators, acknowledging their efforts as a necessary signal to the relevant authorities. He reiterated his commitment to working with all stakeholders to ensure the development and well-being of Afram Plains.

As the community awaits further action, the call for a united front from the chiefs and influential figures of Kwahu remains crucial for the sustainable development of Afram Plains.