A controversy has erupted over the Ganlagirum electrification project in Ghana's Bongo constituency, with a former Assembly Member, Lawrence Ake'ema-kapoe Azangeo, accusing the Member of Parliament of taking credit for the project. According to Hon. Ake'ema-kapoe, he initiated the project during his tenure in office through engagements with officials of the Ministry of Energy and the former Bongo District Chief Executive. He claims that his efforts led to the submission of a formal request to the Minister of Energy, endorsed by traditional leaders, paving the way for the electrification project.
In an interview on ReCAS FM, Hon. Ake'ema-kapoe revealed that the then Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy directed him to submit the formal request. He prepared the letter, secured necessary signatures, and submitted it, facilitating the Ganlagirum and Bungu/Asasibokom electrification projects. Although he acknowledged the contributions of other stakeholders, including the then Regional Minister and Assembly Members, he insisted that the history of the intervention must be properly recognised.
The former Assembly Member expressed disappointment that he was not informed about the commissioning of the project, despite his alleged role in initiating and sustaining engagements towards securing it. He only received information about the event from the contractor and was not officially invited by the local leadership or political authorities. This development, he said, indicated that he had been sidelined.
Hon. Ake'ema-kapoe disclosed that after leaving office, he introduced the current Assembly Member, Mr. Oscar Adagwine, and the Bongo MP, Hon. Aguyire Atimbire, to the contractor to help sustain engagements towards the project's completion. He stressed that his concerns were not driven by personal grievances but by the need to recognise individuals who initiate and support development projects.
The former Assembly Member challenged the current leadership to initiate new development projects rather than seeking 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 addressing the area's developmental needs.
Among the priorities he outlined are the completion of the Bungu/Asasibokom electrification project, construction of classroom blocks, renovation of teachers' accommodation, youth employment opportunities, and completion of the Adulgo Buum mechanised borehole project. He also mentioned improved road access, additional dual desks for schools, and other development interventions.
Hon. Ake'ema-kapoe concluded by congratulating all stakeholders involved in the project's completion and reiterating his commitment to the development of Nayorigo and its surrounding communities. He urged residents to remain united while holding their political leaders accountable for development promises, stating that public office is temporary, but the impact of actions can last for generations.
Key points
- Former Assembly Member Lawrence Ake'ema-kapoe Azangeo claims he initiated the Ganlagirum electrification project.
- The project was commissioned without informing Hon. Ake'ema-kapoe, sparking controversy over credit.
- Hon. Ake'ema-kapoe urges current leadership to focus on new development projects rather than seeking recognition for existing ones.
