Togbui Amenya Fiti V (left) presenting a gift to President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House in Accra
Chiefs from the Ketu South Constituency of the Volta region, the stronghold of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), yesterday paid a courtesy call on President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House.
The chiefs from the constituency, which has always been the backbone of the NDC in all elections, expressed their concerns to the president during the meeting.
In 2012, the NDC and its presidential candidate secured 81,880 votes, representing 93.15 percent of the total votes cast while the main opposition candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP garnered 5,165 votes, representing 5.88 percent.
In the 2016 elections, Mr Mahama and the NDC had 65,279 votes, representing 88.22 percent while Akufo-Addo and the NPP obtained 7,590 votes, representing 10.26 percent.
Concerns
The constituents, in recent times, have complained about deplorable roads in the area in spite of Mr Mahama’s bragging about unprecedented development during his tenure.
They disclosed that the NDC’s so-called development projects are not evident in their area.
The chiefs also enumerated many problems, notably deplorable roads in the area, during the meeting at the Jubilee House.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues from Klikor and the Paramount Chief of Aflao, Togbe Amenya Fiti V, told the president that “most of the urban and feeder roads within the Ketu South Municipality are not motorable; they become muddy anytime it rains especially in Klikor and some traditional areas.
The respected chief said “in the dry season the amount of dust particles from these roads is unbearable, and it further pollutes the air and water bodies, which makes movement in the urban centres difficult.”
He stressed that Diamond Cement Factory has virtually become inaccessible due to the deplorable nature of the Fiti Road which leads to the factory.”
Apart from that, the heavy-duty trucks always get stuck on the road and cars are unable to ply the road while schools and the Aflao Circuit Court have to be closed down whenever it rains on this all important road.”
He added that “the Seven Seas Salt Limited and other salt winning communities in Agorko, Adina and Blekusu are no exception, as drivers refuse to go to these salt mining, vegetable farming and fishing communities. Salt, vegetables and fish products from these communities have to be conveyed on foot to Denu.”
The chiefs, therefore, pleaded with President Akufo-Addo to cause the Departments of Urban and Feeder Roads to fix the roads.
Assurance
President Akufo-Addo admitted that “the roads in the Volta Region, like many in various parts of Ghana, are not what they should be.”
“I believe that in the course of the next 12 months, we are going to see a very vigorous road expansion project in Ghana which will also affect you in the Ketu South District.”
“We’ve made a good arrangement, so we have the money and by November many of them will begin,” he added.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent