Group condemns ‘harsh comments’, ‘boastful posturing’ of Mpohor MP over petition

The Adum-Banso Collaborative Development Action Network (ABDAN), a development-oriented and citizens advocacy group, has condemned the NPP Member of Parliament for Mpohor, Alex Kofi Agyekum, for chastising the Chiefs and people of Adum-Banso and trashing petitions they forwarded to the DCE for Mpohor, the Ministries of Local Government and Rural Development, Roads and Highways, the Western Regional Minister, and the government for consideration.

The MP, together with the District Chief Executive for Mpohor, met the chiefs and people of Adum-Banso to discuss issues of concern regarding the youth and why they wanted to organize series of social protests aimed at informing the government to extend the Apowa-Kejebil road to Adum-Banso and change of name of the district to Mpohor Wassa Fiase Central, to reflect the ethnic and cultural demographics in the area.

At a town hall meeting, the MP expressed his dissatisfaction about such petitions, its irrelevance, and why the chiefs in the area could not discuss their issues with President Akufo-Addo when he visited the district, but allowed only the paramount chief of Mpohor to deliver a speech that concentrated on the fight against galamsey.

The emotionally charged MP said it baffles him how the people are blaming government for not addressing their grievances. A question and answer session that was to collate views could not yield any positive result due to the MP’s use of unprintable words.

A release issued by ABDAN said the MP’s harsh words, his boastful posturing, and the District Chief Executive for Mpohor’s inability to address concerns in the area, are worrying signs of apathy. He further called on the government to act to ensure peace in the area.

“It is unacceptable for an MP supported by the DCE for Mpohor, to be furious about harmless petitions that address genuine problems in the district. Indirectly insulting our people only confirms our assertion that the legislator and the government appointee in the district are indeed sleeping on the job, they are confused, and do take the people for granted”, the release said.

The release said, “series of social protests in the Mpohor district will go ahead as planned since they are legitimately structured to highlight problems in the area after a 21-day ultimatum elapsed with the NPP legislator, and the District Chief Executive fixating on what appears to be a deceptive agenda to delay our resolve”. We wish to reiterate our decision not to allow politicians to campaign in the area in 2020, and we will not vote in any elections because we do not have much to show for in the Mpohor district”.

The release said “the MP and the DCE should learn from Hassan Tampuri, CEO of the National Petroleum Authority, who recently lobbied for boreholes to be constructed in the