In a recent rally held in Likpe as part of her two-day visit to the Oti Region, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the vice-presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), urged voters in the Guan Constituency to decisively reject the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December 7 elections. She voiced her discontent over the NPP’s failure to provide adequate parliamentary representation for the constituency over the past four years, which she characterized as a significant injustice that has inflicted pain and hardship on the people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe, and Lolobi (collectively referred to as SALL). Prof. Opoku-Agyemang accused the ruling party of abandoning its responsibility and betraying the constitutional rights of the constituents, contending that this electoral cycle is their opportunity to rectify the situation.
Throughout her address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang made clear her criticism of the government’s track record regarding fundamental developmental needs in the constituency. She highlighted the lack of essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, clean water, and healthcare facilities, pointing out that many of the community’s pressing needs had been neglected under the NPP administration. The NDC candidate argued that instead of addressing these critical issues, the government resorted to short-term and often superficial tactics, such as distributing cash and food to garner support during election season. She encouraged the electorate to accept such inducements, but maintain their loyalty to the NDC when casting their votes, emphasizing that genuine development goes beyond temporary handouts.
Moreover, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang criticized the incongruity of NPP campaigning in the Guan Constituency, where they had previously deprived citizens of their parliamentary due. She described the display of NPP flags and posters in the area as hypocritical, arguing that it illustrated a lack of accountability and respect for the electorate that the governing party had failed to represent. By calling attention to this contradiction, she sought to highlight the accountability that comes with political representation and the adverse effects of neglect on community welfare.
Given the importance of representation and development, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang insisted that the people of the Guan Constituency should support the NDC’s presidential candidate, John Dramani Mahama, along with the party’s parliamentary candidates. Her comments were meant to galvanize support for the NDC and inform constituents of the potential for positive change under a new government. By fostering unity among voters, she aims to address the longstanding grievances stemming from four years of unrepresented status in Parliament.
The rally represented a significant effort by the NDC to restore their credibility and gain the trust of voters in a constituency that has faced political turbulence and neglect. Prof. Opoku-Agyemang’s appeals highlight the urgency for improved local governance and the need for citizens to exercise their voting rights in favor of those who genuinely advocate for their development. Her message resonated with those who feel marginalized by the ruling party, reinforcing the NDC’s commitment to reversing the perceived injustices of the past years.
Overall, the remarks made by Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang signal a broader strategy by the NDC to reclaim lost support in key constituencies while emphasizing representation, accountability, and sustainable development as central tenets of their campaign. Leading up to the elections, the NDC’s focus on community grievances and the call for a more responsive government may play a pivotal role in shaping voter sentiment and potentially altering the political landscape in the Oti Region and beyond.
