Dambai: The newly elected Oti Regional Executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have raised concerns regarding the stalled and abandoned infrastructural projects initiated under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's administration. These projects, crucial for the region's development, have reportedly not progressed under the current government.
According to Ghana News Agency, the executives highlighted that several projects, especially health facilities under the Agenda 111 programme and essential road projects across various districts and municipalities, have either halted or are moving forward at a pace that fails to address the residents' immediate needs. Dr. Frank Yirenkyi, the Oti Regional NPP Chairman, voiced these concerns during the Party's maiden press engagement in Dambai.
Dr. Yirenkyi emphasized that the stagnation of these projects is depriving residents of vital infrastructure, thus hindering access to healthcare, roads, and other essential services. He noted that projects initiated under President Akufo-Addo's term have not seen further development by the current NDC government, leaving them to gather dust while residents suffer.
Specific projects requiring urgent attention include the Agenda 111 hospital projects at Kpassa, Chinderi, Kadjebi, and Jasikan. The Oti Regional Coordinating Council administration block, staff residential facilities, the Regional Police Administration complex, and officers' bungalows have also been cited as needing progress.
On the issue of road infrastructure, the executives called for immediate government attention to the Worawora-Jasikan stretch, Borae-Chinderi stretch, Chinderi-Zongo Macheri road, and the Eastern Corridor road. The projects were initially aimed at expanding healthcare infrastructure and bringing essential health services closer to underserved communities.
The executives expressed concerns about the slow progress of road projects initiated by the previous administration, which is affecting transportation, movement of agricultural produce, and economic activities in the region. They emphasized the importance of reliable road networks for the Oti Region, which relies heavily on agriculture, to facilitate the movement of farmers and their produce to markets.
The NPP Oti Regional Executives urged the Government, Ministry of Finance, and relevant sector ministries to make necessary financial commitments to enable contractors to resume work and complete the outstanding projects. They stressed that projects funded by public resources should not be neglected due to changes in political administration.
The Regional Executives clarified that their demands are not politically motivated but are aimed at ensuring the completion of projects for the benefit of Oti's residents. They warned that unfinished projects could lead to additional costs due to deterioration and inflation, stressing the need for transparency from the Government regarding the status and timelines for project completion.
Furthermore, the executives called on the media, traditional authorities, civil society organizations, and development partners to enhance monitoring of public projects in the region. They encouraged the media to report on the current conditions of these projects to promote transparency and accountability in managing public resources.
The NPP executives pledged to continue engaging with stakeholders on development projects that require public attention, emphasizing that their initiative is focused on ensuring that taxpayer-funded investments are completed and serve the people. They appealed to traditional leaders, civil society organizations, development partners, and residents to support their call for the completion of these projects, which are crucial for the socio-economic development of the region.
The press engagement is part of the new Regional Executive Committee's commitment to engaging media and stakeholders on issues impacting development and residents' welfare in the Oti Region.