During a recent campaign event in Awutu Senya East, Sammy Gyamfi, the National Communications Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), launched a vehement attack on the local Member of Parliament (MP) and Fisheries Minister, Hawa Koomson. Gyamfi accused Koomson of being a “candidate for jail,” attributing this label to her alleged involvement in corruption during her tenure as Minister for Special Development Initiatives. He highlighted the government’s flagship program, the One Village, One Dam initiative, as emblematic of the administration’s failures. This initiative, designed to facilitate all-season farming through the construction of irrigation dams, particularly in northern Ghana, has been marred by a myriad of issues, including poor execution and significant financial mismanagement.
The One District, One Dam program was initially presented as a transformative strategy for agricultural development. However, it has faced serious criticisms for its inadequate implementation, marked by reports of shoddily constructed dug-outs that fail to serve their intended purpose. Many of these projects have resulted in barren sites lacking sufficient water for agricultural use or livestock. Koomson previously attributed the shortcomings of the program to insufficient funding, criticizing the GHS250,000 budgeted for each dam as inadequate for substantial construction. Critics argue that despite these claims, financial irregularities surrounding the initiative point to deeper issues of mismanagement and corruption within the ministry.
Sammy Gyamfi specifically indicated that the financial misappropriations connected to the dams could lead to Koomson being charged with willfully causing financial loss to the state. He emphasized that the expenditure of public funds on these largely non-operational dams was unjustifiable, having produced no tangible benefits in return. Gyamfi’s accusations rest on the premise that there has been a blatant disregard for financial governance and accountability within Koomson’s ministry, which he asserts has resulted in significant losses to the state treasury.
In a bold promise to supporters, Gyamfi declared that a future NDC government, under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, would actively seek to prosecute Hawa Koomson for her alleged financial misconduct. This commitment is part of a broader NDC agenda, which includes the recovery of misappropriated state funds through a strategy named Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL). As a clear call to action, Gyamfi urged his party members to rally behind the NDC’s pledge to confront and rectify the alleged corruption that has characterized the current administration of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia.
The remarks made at the rally reflect a resurgent NDC’s strategy to capitalize on the perceived failures of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), portraying themselves as champions of accountability and integrity. Gyamfi’s statements underscore the NDC’s determination to address issues of corruption and governance, positioning the party as a viable alternative to the current administration. By highlighting the problems associated with the One District, One Dam initiative, the NDC aims to galvanize public support while painting the current leadership in a negative light.
Ultimately, Gyamfi’s piercing critiques and the surrounding campaign rhetoric symbolize a critical moment in Ghanaian politics, as the NDC intensifies its efforts to reclaim power in the upcoming elections. The assertion that Koomson could face jail time serves dual purposes: it signals the NDC’s commitment to combat corruption while seeking to rally voter sentiment against the NPP. As Ghana gears up for significant electoral contests, the confrontation over management of public funds and accountability will likely feature prominently, with the NDC keen to hold current officials accountable for their actions while positioning itself as the party of reform and recovery.
