Abu Jinapor challenges NDC over jobs, farmers’ livelihoods and LEAP programme in Damongo

The Member of Parliament for Damongo, Hon. Samuel Abu Jinapor, has criticised the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) over its handling of youth employment, agriculture and social intervention programmes, urging constituents to support the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2028 general elections.

Addressing party supporters on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the commissioning of the NPP’s new Savannah Regional office complex in Damongo, the MP called on young people, farmers and women to assess the performance of the current administration against what he described as the opportunities created under the previous NPP government.

The former Minister for Lands and Natural Resources also paid tribute to the founding fathers of the NPP and encouraged party members, particularly the youth, to remain committed to the party’s vision and work towards securing victory in 2028.

On youth employment, Mr Jinapor recalled the opportunities he said he personally supervised and facilitated during the previous NPP administration, benefiting young people in Damongo, other parts of the Savannah Region and beyond.

Although he acknowledged that he was unable to fulfil every employment request, he maintained that his interventions helped many young people secure jobs they might otherwise have struggled to find.

He expressed confidence that an NPP return to government would create opportunities for him to do more, while cautioning against individuals taking personal credit for employment opportunities provided under the current administration.

According to him, such opportunities should be attributed to President John Dramani Mahama rather than individuals seeking to use them for political recognition.

The Damongo MP also turned his attention to the economic difficulties facing farmers, urging them to reconsider their political choices based on the state of their livelihoods.

He recalled that during the previous NPP administration, proceeds from the sale of 2 bags of maize could help farmers meet some household expenses.

However, he argued that the economic situation had deteriorated to the extent that income from 10 bags of maize could no longer address similar financial needs.

His comments were directed particularly at farmers, who form a significant part of the electorate in the Damongo Constituency and the wider Savannah Region.

Mr Jinapor further accused the NDC government in the constituency of removing some beneficiaries from the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme and replacing them with individuals he described as unqualified.

The allegation has raised questions about the administration of the social protection programme in the constituency, where vulnerable households rely on the intervention for financial assistance.

On women's empowerment, the MP reaffirmed his commitment to supporting women irrespective of their political affiliations.

He stressed that access to assistance should not depend on party membership and assured women in the constituency that he would continue to provide support without discrimination.

His remarks came against the backdrop of the commissioning of the NPP’s ultra-modern Savannah Regional office complex, an investment intended to strengthen the party’s organisational activities in the region.

The one-storey facility, located near the Damongo Axle Weighing Bridge, comprises 2 conference halls with a combined capacity of more than 300 people and 7 offices for administrative and official functions.

It is expected to serve as the party’s regional hub for administration, meetings, conferences, stakeholder engagements and strategic planning.

The commissioning ceremony attracted several prominent NPP figures, including former ministers who served under the Akufo-Addo administration, the Northern and Savannah Regional Chairmen, regional executives from across the country and a number of Members of Parliament.

The party described the project as a historic development, claiming it is the first regional party office complex established by a political party in the Savannah Region since its creation.

For Mr Jinapor, the event provided an opportunity not only to inaugurate the new facility but also to criticise the governing NDC, highlight the previous NPP administration's record and rally the party's grassroots ahead of the 2028 elections.

He urged the party to rebuild its support base in Damongo and across the Savannah Region, reconnect with voters and strengthen its campaign for a return to power.