Communities threaten boycott of December elections

Abura Dunkwa (C/R), April 15, GNA - Some communities in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese district on Tuesday took to the streets with placards, threatening to boycott the December elections, if basic social amenities in the area are not improved upon.

Some of the placards read "no electricity no voting", "bad roads kill", "we are also citizens" and "we are fed up with false promises". The communities are Abeadze Odumase, Abura Aboase, Abura Obohen, New Odonase, Old Odonase, Abura Ekotsia Kokodo, Abura Ekotsia Boom, Abura Kanka Boom and Abura Betsingua.

Their leaders complained of lack of electricity in their area, which abounds in cassava, oil palm and citrus, saying it was hampering investment and job creation.

In a petition addressed to the President headed "Unfair Treatment" and signed by their respective representatives making up the Etsifi Youth Association, the communities claimed they have been neglected for so long.

The petition expressed concern about the lack of requisite infrastructure like good roads, electricity and health facilities. The area also lacked potable water and a second cycle institution, it added.

The petitioners expressed the hope that the President would use his good offices to come to their aid.

Mr Clement Appiah, chairman of the Accra branch of the association presented the petition to Mr Andrew Mensah, District Chief Executive, who assured them that the government would improve facilities in the area and appealed to them to be patient.