Togbe Dorglo Anumah VI, the President of the Avenor Traditional Council and Paramount Chief of Avenor, recently expressed gratitude to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for granting Traditional Council status to the Avenor region and for the elevation of the area from District to Municipal status. His acknowledgment came during an event at the Akatsi College of Education, attended by members of the Avenor Traditional Council, local chiefs, and queen mothers, as they met Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the NPP’s Presidential candidate. Since the NPP’s inauguration by former Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Kofi Dzameshie, the relationship between the traditional council and the party has remained positive. Furthermore, Togbe Dorglo Anumah highlighted the importance of ongoing governmental projects, including the complete realization of the ‘Agenda 111 Project,’ improved road networks, access to clean water, and the provision of transportation for chieftaincy activities.
During this visit, Dr. Bawumia received a warm welcome from the enthusiastic crowd. He took the opportunity to express appreciation for their continued support and laid out his vision for Ghana, emphasizing the achievements of the NPP government during its time in office. He specifically addressed criticisms from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), urging them to stop misleading the public about the NPP’s successful policies, including the implementation of the Free Senior High School (SHS) program. Bawumia reinforced the credibility of these initiatives by discussing how they were once deemed unattainable but are now a reality, illustrating the capability of the NPP to deliver on promises.
Dr. Bawumia’s speech also highlighted his commitment to leveraging modern technology to adapt to global trends. He proposed a transition from dependence on oil and gas to a focus on solar energy, which he claimed could reduce electricity costs by 50%. He emphasized that, similar to the success of the District Road Improvement Project (DRIP), the agricultural sector would also undergo significant enhancements, ultimately benefiting farmers and boosting productivity. Additionally, he pledged to support the youth through digital training initiatives and job creation, signifying a comprehensive approach to national growth.
A wide array of policies aimed at transforming Ghana into a prosperous nation was outlined by Dr. Bawumia. His vision includes integrating technology into agriculture, establishing District Agriculture Mechanization Centres, providing tax amnesty, and exempting solar panels from import duties. He also emphasized the importance of free tertiary education for individuals with disabilities, expanding educational resources, repositioning the educational framework toward STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and AI (Artificial Intelligence), and providing laptops for every tertiary student to aid in their learning. These initiatives underscore his commitment to holistic and equitable development across various sectors.
Dr. Bawumia also engaged with members of the clergy and Islamic clerics, discussing strategies for regional growth. During the event, he introduced Mr. Mawuli Ocloo Egos, the NPP’s Parliamentary Candidate for Akatsi South, urging attendees to rally support for him ahead of the upcoming elections. This event aligns with the heightened political activities as both the NPP and the opposition NDC intensify their campaigns in anticipation of the December 7 polls, reflecting the competitive landscape of Ghana’s political environment.
As the election date approaches, the engagements led by Dr. Bawumia and the enthusiasm demonstrated by local leaders signify a collective effort toward securing electoral success for the NPP. The focus on infrastructure development, education, and the empowerment of youth is essential to addressing the pressing needs of the constituents. Overall, the interaction between traditional leaders and political figures illustrates the intertwined nature of governance and traditional authority, showcasing a path toward progress through collaboration and acknowledgment of community needs.
