Ganlagirum Electrification: Bongo MP claiming credit for project he never initiated – Former Nayorigo Assembly Member

Former Assembly Member for the Nayorigo-Bungu Electoral Area, Hon. Lawrence Ake'ema-kapoe Azangeo, has accused the Member of Parliament for Bongo of taking credit for the Ganlagirum electrification project, which he claims was initiated through his efforts during his tenure in office.

In an interview on ReCAS FM following the commissioning of the Ganlagirum electrification project, Hon. Ake'ema-kapoe said the project originated from engagements he had with officials of the Ministry of Energy and the former Bongo District Chief Executive, Hon. Peter Ayinbisa Ayamga.

According to him, the then Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy directed him to submit a formal request addressed to the Minister of Energy, endorsed by traditional leaders of the area, to facilitate the electrification projects.

He said he subsequently prepared the letter, secured the necessary signatures and submitted it, paving the way for the Ganlagirum and Bungu/Asasibokom electrification projects.

Although he acknowledged the contributions of the then Regional Minister, Bongo MP, Assembly Members and other stakeholders towards the successful completion and commissioning of the Ganlagirum project, he insisted that the history of the intervention must be properly recognised.

The former Assembly Member expressed disappointment that neither the current Assembly Member, Mr. Oscar Adagwine, the Bongo MP nor the District Chief Executive informed him about the commissioning of the project.

He said he only received information about the event from the contractor ahead of the ceremony, adding that he was not officially invited by the local leadership or the political authorities who attended the commissioning.

He described the development as an indication that he had been sidelined despite his alleged role in initiating and sustaining engagements towards securing the project.

Hon. Ake'ema-kapoe further disclosed that after leaving office, he introduced Mr. Oscar Adagwine and Hon. Aguyire Atimbire to the contractor to help sustain engagements towards the completion of the project.

He stressed that his concerns were not driven by personal grievances but by the need to recognise the contributions of individuals who initiate and support development projects, irrespective of whether they currently hold public office.

The former Assembly Member challenged the current leadership of the area, particularly the Bongo MP, DCE and Assembly Member, to initiate new development projects rather than seek recognition through the commissioning of projects they did not initiate.

He argued that the completion of the Ganlagirum electrification project should encourage the current leadership to pursue fresh interventions that would address the developmental needs of the people.

Among his demands are the completion of the Bungu/Asasibokom electrification project, construction of classroom blocks for Nayorigo Primary A and B, renovation of teachers' accommodation, youth employment opportunities and completion of the Adulgo Buum mechanised borehole project.

Other priorities he outlined include improved road access to Ganlagirum and Abagtuah, additional dual desks for schools and other development interventions.

He maintained that the commissioning of the Ganlagirum electrification project should serve as a starting point for further development rather than an occasion for political competition over credit.

"Public office is temporary, but the impact of our actions can last for generations," he stated, urging residents to remain united while holding their political leaders accountable for development promises.

The former Assembly Member concluded by congratulating all stakeholders involved in the successful completion of the project while reiterating his commitment to the development of Nayorigo and its surrounding communities.