Abandoned projects hurting development — BONABOTO tells govt

The Upper East Regional Chairman of the BONABOTO, Dr. Esmond Agurgo Balfour, has urged successive governments in Ghana to ensure that key policies and development projects are fully completed before leaving office.

He warned that the frequent abandonment of projects following changes in political administration continues to undermine national development and waste public resources.

Speaking on the importance of continuity in governance, Dr. Balfour said unfinished projects often lead to financial losses, delayed development, and missed opportunities for citizens who rely on such initiatives for improved livelihoods.

“Governments must make every effort to complete their key policies and projects before leaving office. Development initiatives are funded with public resources and therefore should serve the interests of the people regardless of which political party is in power,” he stated.

He further explained that when projects are abandoned, incoming administrations are forced to inject additional funds to restart or complete them, increasing the overall cost of governance and slowing down progress.

According to him, completing ongoing projects not only improves efficiency but also strengthens public trust in government and ensures communities benefit from intended development interventions.

Dr. Balfour called on political leaders, policymakers, and public institutions to adopt a long-term national development mindset that prioritises continuity over partisan interests. He emphasized that sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, and job creation must be treated as national priorities beyond political cycles.

“National development should transcend political interests. Leaders must prioritise the welfare of the people over partisan considerations,” he added.

The BONABOTO Chairman expressed optimism that Ghana could achieve faster economic growth and improved living standards if governments remain committed to completing inherited and ongoing development programmes.

His remarks add to growing advocacy from civil society actors and development stakeholders calling for stronger accountability, consistency, and continuity in the execution of national development policies across the country.