Akatsi South Deserves Better: From Political Stronghold to Economic Powerhouse

For decades, Akatsi South has stood as a loyal bastion of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), delivering overwhelming electoral victories and cementing its reputation as a political stronghold. Yet, despite this unwavering devotion—and despite our Member of Parliament, Hon. Bernard Ahiafor, holding the influential office of Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament—our constituency remains mired in underdevelopment. Roads are deplorable, water supply is inadequate, and emergency health services are glaringly absent.

This is the high cost of political complacency: when loyalty is taken for granted, development stalls. But Ghana’s political landscape is shifting. Citizens are demanding accountability, and the digital age ensures that neglect can no longer hide behind party colors. Akatsi South must now demand visionary leadership that matches its loyalty with tangible progress.

The Trap of Complacency
Our votes have been treated as guaranteed, and in return, our development has been systematically sidelined. Meanwhile, constituencies with proactive lawmakers are surging ahead. Consider Gomoa Central, where a first-time MP recently secured a 270 MW solar energy project to power a Special Economic Zone and Eco Park. If a newcomer can marshal such investment, why is Akatsi South—represented by a veteran lawmaker—still left behind?

Akatsi’s Untapped Potential

Akatsi South is not poor in resources; it is poor in political imagination. The constituency holds unique advantages that make it ripe for industrial transformation:

• Central Transit Geography: A natural hub linking Southern Volta districts.
• Gateway to West African Trade: Proximity to Togo and Benin offers unmatched cross-border commerce opportunities.
• Abundant Land & Workforce: Expansive land and a vibrant youth population eager for employment.
• Ecotourism Anchors: The Xavi Birdwatching Sanctuary provides a foundation for an Eco Park and hospitality-driven growth.

Blueprint for a Special Economic Zone

An Akatsi Special Economic Zone is not a dream—it is an actionable plan. By leveraging our strengths, leadership can attract investment in key sectors:

• Agro-Processing (Tin Tomato Industry): Secure farmers’ incomes, eliminate post-harvest losses, and create factory jobs.
• Garment & Industrial Sewing Hubs: Harness youth labor for uniforms and export-ready apparel.
• Light Manufacturing & Assembly: Position Akatsi as a technological and industrial pioneer in Volta Region.

Critical Recommendations
To move from stagnation to transformation, leadership must act decisively:

1. Replicate Success Models: Engage peers who have successfully attracted private equity and adapt their strategies locally.

2. Court Private Capital: Move beyond meager Common Fund allocations by pitching Akatsi’s advantages to investors.

3. Leverage National Influence: Use the Deputy Speaker’s office to fast-track roads, healthcare, and infrastructure.

4. Establish an Akatsi Development Committee: A non-partisan council of chiefs, youth, and experts to draft a master plan.

The era of blind political patronage is ending. Akatsi South’s people demand clean water, paved roads, jobs, and sustainable growth. Watching newer constituencies leapfrog us while our representative holds one of the highest offices in Parliament is unacceptable.

This is not political malice—it is a cry for progress. As the saying goes, you cannot wake someone who is pretending to be asleep. But the collective voice of an awakened electorate cannot be ignored. We call on Hon. Bernard Ahiafor to rise to the occasion, embrace visionary governance, and champion the Akatsi Special Economic Zone.

Akatsi deserves better. Our patience is exhausted, our eyes are wide open, and our demand for progress is non-negotiable.

✍️ Submitted by:
Retired Senior Citizen
For and on behalf of all Senior Citizens of the Republic of Ghana 🇬🇭

Teshie-Nungua
[email protected]