We wanted Bui power project during NDC gov't, but they told us to grow cassava instead — Banda Chief praises NPP for development projects

The Omanhene of the Banda Traditional Council, Nana Sekyemme Sinapem II, has commended the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for delivering key development projects in the Banda Constituency, a community that has historically supported the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Speaking during Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia's visit on Sunday, the Omanhene recounted the challenges they faced under previous NDC governments when they pushed for the Bui Power Project to be sited on their land.

Despite their efforts, a Deputy Minister at the time suggested they focus on planting a new breed of cassava instead of pursuing the power project.

“Some time back we requested for the realization of the Bui power project which Kwame Nkrumah planned to do but could not do because he was overthrown. We pursued it through the then government but it did not happen despite chasing for it for some time.

“In fact one of the leaders then, a Deputy Minister of Agric, even told us he has brought a new breed of cassava plant, so we should rather plant the cassava which he said was better than pursuing the Bui Dam.

"Fortunately, President Kufuor came and we told him about it and it materialized. So, we had the Bui Dam project right here by the NPP under the government of Kufuor which opened up this place.

"Our roads were also very bad and Kufuor said, no, these roads needed improvement and the first tarred road here in Banda was done by the NPP government of Kufuor. Again, the same NPP government under Kufuor gave us a massive extension of electricity,” he said.

The Omanhene highlighted other NPP-led initiatives such as cashew and sugar cane processing factories and ongoing road projects, urging Dr. Bawumia to ensure these projects are completed.

He also appealed for Banda to benefit from the government's Agenda 111 hospital project to improve healthcare access in the community.

Nana Sinapem II assured Dr. Bawumia of the community's support in the 2024 elections, expressing confidence in the NPP's commitment to development.

In reaction, Dr. Bawumia thanked the traditional council for their support and promised to continue the NPP's tradition of delivering on its promises.