In a recent campaign rally in Datano, Bodi Constituency, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) vice-presidential candidate, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, made prominent promises regarding the revitalization of neglected cocoa road projects and the reinstatement of a free fertilizer program for farmers. During her three-day tour of the Western North Region, she criticized the current government’s decision to stop ongoing road projects that were originally initiated under the Mahama administration. She also noted that the government has not disclosed the findings of an investigation it launched into these projects, despite accusations against the NDC of mismanagement. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang highlighted the importance of these projects for the development of cocoa-growing communities, suggesting that a future NDC government would prioritize their completion.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s campaign speeches were not just focused on infrastructure; they also addressed broader economic concerns affecting farmers. She assured her supporters that the NDC stood firmly behind cocoa farmers by promising to revive the free fertilizer program, which would significantly benefit their productivity and financial stability. Furthermore, she emphasized the need for fair pricing for cocoa producers, arguing that these policies were essential to improving the livelihoods and overall well-being of those involved in the cocoa industry. Her statements aimed to resonate with farmers who have faced challenges under the current administration.
In urging voters to rally behind John Dramani Mahama and the NDC’s parliamentary candidates for the upcoming December elections, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang presented the party as the solution to the challenges plaguing the agricultural sector. She described the restoration of these programs and projects as critical steps toward revitalizing cocoa farming in Ghana. This approach, she argued, was necessary to secure a sustainable future for cocoa farmers and ensure their contributions to the national economy are acknowledged and supported.
Throughout her campaign, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang made it clear that the current government’s abandonment of these essential infrastructure projects and agricultural support programs has had detrimental effects on the farming community. By bringing these issues to the forefront, she aimed to connect emotionally with the electorate, highlighting the impact of policy decisions on their daily lives. She portrayed the NDC as the party of the farmers, ready to listen to their needs and respond effectively.
Moreover, she reiterated the NDC’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance, criticizing the lack of communication from the present administration regarding its investigation into the cocoa road projects. By promising a future where such issues would be addressed openly, she aimed to rebuild trust among voters disillusioned by the current government’s handling of agricultural policies. The emphasis on completion of major projects and the restoration of vital programs were framed as not only a political necessity but a moral obligation to support the farming community.
In conclusion, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang’s campaign effectively centered on the issues facing cocoa farmers, highlighting the NDC’s intentions to revive abandoned infrastructure projects and support agricultural productivity through programs like free fertilizers. Her critique of the current government’s policies and promises for a future NDC administration serve as a rallying call to voters in the cocoa-growing regions of Ghana. By appealing to the needs of the farming community, she positioned the NDC as a party dedicated to improving their livelihoods and ensuring the agricultural sector thrives in the face of challenges.
