Takoradi: Mr. Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister, has firmly denied allegations regarding his management of funds from the government’s One Constituency One-million-dollar initiative. The minister, who is also the Member of Parliament for Takoradi, clarified that he had not received the purported eight million dollars over the past eight years.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Darko-Mensah addressed these claims during a Parliamentary Dialogue organized by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE). The event aimed to provide a platform for candidates within the Takoradi constituency to present their visions and policies. However, Mr. Fredrick Faidoo, the NDC candidate and Mr. Darko-Mensah’s main opponent, did not attend the debate.
Mr. Darko-Mensah encouraged constituents to utilize the Rights to Information Bill to seek more details from the disbursement office if they had concerns about the fund’s allocation. He emphasized that the funds were managed directly by the cen
tral government, similar to the MPs common fund, and urged the public to better understand government programs to prevent unnecessary controversies, particularly during election periods.
Highlighting his plans for the Takoradi constituency, Mr. Darko-Mensah mentioned initiatives such as the Takoradi Prosperity Scheme and the Kobby Youth Equipment Initiative, which focus on youth entrepreneurship and industrialization. He also praised the current NPP government’s investments in human capital development and infrastructure, urging voters to support the NPP and himself for continued progress.
Mr. Justice Ennin, the Regional Director of the NCCE, revealed that research indicated a growing demand for job opportunities and educational improvements among the youth. Flight Officer Ibrahim Mohammed from the Air Force Base in Takoradi also called on Ghanaians to maintain the nation’s peace and cautioned against succumbing to political manipulation.