Hon. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah writes, As I traverse the various parts of our beloved Western Region-from Half-Assini to Elubo to Tarkwa to Sekondi-Takoradi, Amenfi West to Amenfi East and virtually every corner of the region, I am confronted with a sobering truth: our once-thriving region has been reduced to a shadow of its former self under the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) government.
The stark reality is that, under their leadership, the Western Region has languished, its development stunted , and its people left to grapple with neglect.
The Empty Promises of the NPP.
The litany of unfulfilled promises made by the NPP is both alarming and disheartening.
The NPP government, in its bid to secure our votes, made grand declarations about transforming our region into an oil services hub with world-class port facilities.
They pledged to construct a new regional hospital, rehabilitate the Effia-Nkwanta Hospital, and modernize the Takoradi Port.
They spoke of establishing an Accident and Emergency Centre in Takoradi and an oil refinery in Sekondi-Takoradi.
Yet, these promises remain largely unfulfilled, leaving our roads, healthcare system and infrastructure in a state of disrepair.
The Aggressive Rural Electrification Program we embarked on in the region during my tenure as Minister of Energy was truncated, leaving many communities in the region struggling to access electricity in this modern age.
The NDC: A Proven Blueprint for Progress
In stark contrast, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and former President John Mahama have a demonstrated commitment to prioritizing the development of the Western Region.
As H.E John Mahama aptly stated, “The Western Region is one of the most important regions in this country because of its enormous contribution to the advancement of Ghana.”
This acknowledgment is reflected in the significant achievements during his administration, which include:
The developmental projects of the erstwhile NDC administration in the region include but not limited to the following:
1. Takoradi Port Expansion: Under Mahama’s leadership, significant expansions were made to the Takoradi Port, enhancing its capacity to facilitate trade and commerce.
2. Atuabo Gas Processing Plant: The establishment of this facility has been a game-changer for the energy sector, providing gas for power generation and industrial use.
3. ENI Onshore Receiving Facility at Sanzule: This facility has improved the management of gas resources and contributed to the region’s economic growth.
4. Quantum LPG Terminal PLC:
A private sector led initiative has helped to curtail the LPG line in Ghana and reduced our country’s LPG imports by 50%
5. Sekondi Fishing Harbour Phase 2. This project has greatly improved the fishing industry’s infrastructure, benefiting local fishermen and the economy.
6. Sekondi-Takoradi-KojoKrom Railway Lines: The revival and expansion of railway services have improved transportation and connectivity in the region.
7. Construction of Multiple Community High Schools: Schools such as Sankor Community High School, Gwiraman Community High School, Samraboi Community Day School, and Manso Amenfi Community Day School were built, enhancing educational opportunities for our youth.
8. Tarkwa-BOGOSO-Anyanfuri Road: This vital road project improved transportation and access to markets for communities along the route.
9. Apimnim to Elubo International Road: The upgrading of this international road has facilitated trade and movement between Ghana and neighboring countries.
10. Takoradi Library Complex: This facility has provided a valuable resource for education and community engagement.
11. Tarkwa Government Hospital: The hospital was expanded and upgraded to better serve the healthcare needs of the community.
12. Doctors and Nurses Flat / 120 Bed Takoradi Hospital Project: Although this project faced challenges and was abandoned, it reflects the ambitious plans of the past administration to improve healthcare infrastructure.
13. Sekondi Youth Center: This center has provided a space for youth development and engagement.
14. Teachers Resource Center (Sekondi): This facility has supported the professional development of educators in the region.
15. Industrial Drive: Through government facilitation and support several factories were established, but including Diamond Cement Factory, Twyfood Ceramics Factory, Karma Distilleries Factory, and others, created jobs and stimulated the local economy.
16. Cold Stores at Shama, New Takoradi, and Half Assini: These facilities have supported the fishing and agricultural industries by reducing post-harvest losses.
17. Upgrading of the Bogoso Health Center to Policlinic under Euroject Project: This upgrade has improved healthcare delivery in the Bogoso area.
18. Extension of Ghana Gas to Prestea: This project powered mining companies in the enclave, boosting local economic activity.
19. Equipping the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital: The introduction of modern medical equipment, including MRI scanners, has improved healthcare services in the region.A Disgraceful Disregard for Our Heroes
To compound our challenges, the current government has not only failed to deliver on its promises but has also shown a complete disregard for our heroes.
The derogatory language directed at Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, a son of the soil, is a direct affront to our identity and history.
Nkrumah envisioned a prosperous Ghana that included a thriving Western Region, yet we find ourselves at a crossroads, with our voices muted and our contributions overlooked.
H.E John Dramani Mahama has promised to restore our founder and first president of Ghana his rightful place in our country’s history.
Furthermore, the absence of any Western Region native in the current cabinet underscores the systemic sidelining of our people.
How can we expect to have a key voice in the executive government when our own are excluded from the decision-making table?
This lack of representation is not just a political oversight; it is a deliberate strategy that perpetuates our marginalization.
For far too long, we have been sidelined while other regions flourish.
We must reclaim our rightful place in the national discourse and demand the development and respect we deserve.
I urge every citizen of the Western Region to reflect on the implications of our current leadership.
The NPP has failed us, reneging on their promises and leaving us to fend for ourselves.
The NDC, under the leadership of John Mahama, offers a renewed focus on the development of our region.
We can expect a government that recognizes our contributions to the national economy and is committed to fostering an environment where we can thrive.
Let us come together and raise our voices in unison.
We possess the power to effect change, and it begins with our vote. When we cast our ballots for John Mahama and the NDC, we are voting for a future where the Western Region is no longer overlooked but is celebrated for its potential and contributions.
The time for action is now. Let us rise to the occasion and ensure that our beloved Western Region is counted among the leaders of development in Ghana. Vote for John Mahama and the NDC—a choice for progress, respect, and a brighter future for all of us.
Together, we can turn the tide and usher in a new era of development and prosperity for the Western Region.
Our voices matter, and our future is in our hands.
Let us choose wisely for the sake of our children and generations to come.
Together, we can transform our cherished region into a more befitting status.
John Mahama and NDC will develop Western Region Again.
Western Region Deserves Better.
Hon.Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah
(Deputy Majority Leader and MP for ELLEMBELLE constituency )