Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, the Western Regional Minister and current Member of Parliament (MP) for Takoradi, has strongly denied rumors that he has personally received eight million dollars from the government’s One Constituency One-Million-Dollar initiative over the past eight years. During a Parliamentary Dialogue organized by the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in response to a concern raised by a local resident, Darko-Mensah stated, “I can tell you for a fact that no eight million dollars has been credited to my account.” He categorized the claims as misleading propaganda propagated by his political opponents and expressed confidence that such assertions would not gain traction among voters. This denial comes amid a competitive electoral climate in Takoradi, where Darko-Mensah is being challenged by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Fredrick Faidoo, who did not attend the debate.
In addressing concerns about financial transparency, Darko-Mensah advised constituents to utilize the Rights to Information Bill, which allows them to seek clarification on the fund disbursement process. He explained that funds allocated to the Constituency come directly from the central government, similar to how the MPs’ Common Fund operates. Encouraging youth engagement, he emphasized the importance of understanding government programs, especially during election periods when misinformation can lead to unnecessary controversies. Darko-Mensah’s call for informed dialogue underscores the need for constituents to hold their leaders accountable while also being discerning of the narratives shaped by political rivals.
Further reflecting on his commitment to the community, Darko-Mensah highlighted various initiatives, including the Takoradi Prosperity Scheme, which aims to foster entrepreneurship and industrialization. He emphasized that these programs are designed not only to enhance the economic wellbeing of the youth but also to support women-led small and medium-sized enterprises. Darko-Mensah articulated that the current government, under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has made significant strides in human capital development, infrastructure improvement, and overall economic performance, which he believes are integral to the prosperity Ghana seeks.
During the dialogue, Darko-Mensah appealed for the electorate’s mandate to enable ongoing and future projects that aim for the progress of Takoradi and its people. He underscored the necessity for a stable government to continue implementing initiatives that could benefit the local population. His appeal also extended to recognizing the government’s overall accomplishments, which he believes warrant electorate support in the upcoming elections. Darko-Mensah expressed commitment not only to his role as an MP but also as a member of the Regional Security Council, emphasizing the importance of peaceful elections.
Justice Ennin, the Regional Director of the NCCE, contributed to the discussion by sharing findings from their research, which indicated a growing demand among citizens for job opportunities and an environment conducive to youth development through quality education. This resonates with the sentiments expressed by many stakeholders who believe that adequate employment prospects are critical for the nation’s younger demographic to thrive. The insights provided by the NCCE’s research highlight the importance of governmental accountability and responsiveness to the needs of the citizenry, especially the youth who will shape the future of Ghana.
Finally, an address from Flight Officer Ibrahim Mohammed of the Air Force Base in Takoradi reinforced the call for peace and non-violence among voters. He reminded citizens that no faith promotes violent actions and urged the youth to reject any temptations from political figures that could lead to unethical behavior. This assertion echoes the need for a peaceful electoral process and the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to safeguard national tranquility. Overall, the events at the Parliamentary Dialogue represent a microcosm of the broader political discourse in Ghana, where aspirations for development, accountability, and peace play critical roles in shaping the electoral narrative and the future trajectory of the nation.
