The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Ghana's Pusiga Constituency has expressed concerns over the government's handling of development projects in the area. At a press conference led by Constituency Communication Officer, Sumaila Gafaru, the party criticized the state of the Agenda 111 hospital, inner roads, and the redevelopment of the Pusiga market. The NPP argued that despite Pusiga's consistent support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in elections, the constituency lacks commensurate development.
The Agenda 111 hospital project in Pusiga is reportedly 70% complete but has been left unfinished. The NPP questioned the government's decision to prioritize the construction of a new 24-hour market over completing the hospital and improving inner roads in major communities. The party claimed that President John Mahama had promised to complete all Agenda 111 hospitals, including Pusiga's, but not a 24-hour market. The NPP argued that access to healthcare should be a priority, particularly in a district with a substantially complete hospital project.
The demolition of the old Pusiga market and the construction of a new market have also been criticized by the NPP. The party alleged that the new site was not adequately prepared before traders were relocated, leading to some constructing their own sheds and kiosks. The NPP claimed 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 criticized the District Chief Executive, Aguuri Haruna Abdul Rahim, over the poor management of the transition.
The NPP's concerns about the new market project are not about the construction of markets per se, but about the timing and prioritization of the project. The party argued that development must first protect lives, then connect communities before expanding commercial space. The NPP appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his commitment to completing Agenda 111 hospitals, prioritizing the Pusiga hospital 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. The NPP stated that accountability is not hostility, and questions are not insults, but rather a demand for development. The party emphasized that the long tenure of the MP comes with a responsibility to show tangible results.
The NPP concluded by calling for development projects that respond to the immediate needs of residents. The party stated that it is not possible to build a market while the roads leading to it are in poor condition, and that commercial infrastructure should not be celebrated while a substantially complete hospital remains unfinished. The NPP's concerns reflect the needs and priorities of the Pusiga community.
The situation in Pusiga highlights the challenges of balancing development priorities in Ghana's constituencies. The NPP's criticism of the government's handling of projects in Pusiga underscores the need for effective communication and collaboration between stakeholders to ensure that development projects meet the needs of local communities. The government's response to the NPP's concerns remains to be seen.
Key points
- The NPP criticizes the government for abandoning the Agenda 111 hospital project in Pusiga.
- The party questions the prioritization of a new 24-hour market over completing the hospital and improving inner roads.
- The NPP appeals to President John Dramani Mahama to fulfill his commitment to completing Agenda 111 hospitals, prioritizing the Pusiga hospital.
