NPP accuses govt of abandoning Agenda 111 Hospital project, demolished market in Pusiga

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Pusiga Constituency has criticised the government over what it describes as misplaced development priorities in the area, particularly the state of the Agenda 111 hospital, inner roads and the ongoing redevelopment of the Pusiga market.

The party raised the concerns at a press conference in Pusiga, led by its Constituency Communication Officer, Sumaila Gafaru.

According to the NPP, Pusiga has consistently supported the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in presidential and parliamentary elections for 22 years, yet the constituency remains without what the party considers commensurate development.

The party identified the Pusiga District Agenda 111 hospital, inner roads in Pusiga, Widana and Kulungungu, and the recently demolished Pusiga market as areas requiring urgent attention.

The NPP claimed that the Agenda 111 hospital project, which it said is about 70% complete, has been left unfinished, while roads within the major communities have deteriorated significantly.

It questioned the decision to demolish the old Pusiga market and commence preparations for a new 24-hour market while other infrastructure projects, including the hospital, remain incomplete.

The party argued that completing the hospital and improving the roads should take precedence over the new market project.

"President John Mahama was loud and clear when he promised to complete all Agenda 111 hospitals without exception to Pusiga's hospital. He NEVER promised to build a 24-hour market in Pusiga," the statement said.

The NPP also raised concerns about the relocation of traders following the demolition of the old market.

According to the party, the new site was not adequately prepared before traders were moved, forcing some of them to construct their own sheds and kiosks. It further alleged that the new location has a smaller capacity than the old market, leaving some traders displaced, and is situated within a residential area.

The party criticised the District Chief Executive, Aguuri Haruna Abdul Rahim, over what it described as poor management of the transition.

It further claimed that traders could face prolonged hardship while construction of the new market remains at an early stage.

The NPP said access to healthcare should be treated as an urgent priority, particularly in a district where the Agenda 111 hospital project is reportedly substantially complete.

"A pregnant woman should not endure unnecessary journeys because a district hospital project remains unfinished. A child requiring urgent treatment should not travel unnecessarily because essential infrastructure is unavailable. A hospital is not a luxury but a necessity."

The party clarified that it was not opposed to the construction of markets but was questioning the timing and prioritisation of the project.

"In any serious democracy, development must first protect lives, then connect communities before expanding commercial space. Any sequence beside this is a case of putting visibility ahead of necessity," Mr. Gafaru stated.

The NPP also appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama to fulfil his commitment to completing Agenda 111 hospitals, arguing that the Pusiga hospital should receive priority alongside the rehabilitation of inner roads.

The party also called on the Member of Parliament for Pusiga, Hon. Hajia Lardi Ayii Ayamba, to demonstrate measurable results in the constituency.

"Accountability is not hostility. Questions are not insults. Demanding development is not disrespect. Your long tenure as the elected representative places an equally long responsibility upon you to demonstrate measurable results."

The NPP concluded by calling for development projects that respond to the immediate needs of residents.

"We cannot build a market while the roads leading to it are becoming rivers. We cannot celebrate commercial infrastructure while a hospital that is already substantially complete remains unfinished," the statement concluded.