Rehabilitation of streetlights leads to controversy

Agona Swedru, Sept 2, GNA - The platform mounting at Nsawam/Mantsimakabi Electoral Area between Mr Thomas Kwesi Asante, the incumbent Assemblyman and Ms Comfort Afedzi, a contestant was nearly marred when their supporters exchanged words as to who rehabilitated the streetlights in the community.

Mr Thomas Asante in his early submission said through his initiative the streetlights had been rehabilitated and other developmental projects had also come into the community. It took the Electoral Assistant, Mr Nyamekeh Afful, a hectic time to intervene to stop certain questions, which were personal attack on Mr Asante.

Some of the supporters of the woman were claiming that the incumbent Assemblyman Mr Asante intentionally rehabilitated the streetlights because of the impending elections while others stated that the woman also assisted.

The incumbent Assemblyman stated that his four years term in office had improved security, sanitation, poverty reduction and other social issues in the community.

He said through his instrumentality five people had learnt batik tie and dye production and were self employed while the community would benefit from the Social Investment Fund (SIF), which is yet to kick off in October this year.

Mr Asante who is also Chairman of the Swedru Urban Council said because of his good relationship with the District Chief Executive, Mr Ben Mensah and other Administrative staff of the Assembly, many projects had been approved for the area and urged the people to vote for him. He said the Assembly has constructed a 12-seater-modern toilet and two attendants had been employed in the community.

Mr Asante pointed out that the constant change of governments and Assembly Members retarded progress, adding that, Ghanaians regretted for having overthrown Dr Kwame Nkrumah, first President of Ghana, because of the performance of his administration.

Ms Afedzi stated that time had come for woman to rise, defend and protect the wellbeing of Ghanaian women and children as well. In her opinion, development programmes had been delayed in the community and she was prepared to offer herself to the people to ensure more progress.

She stated that she had the capability to mobilize both men and women for the socio-economic advancement of the area and urged them to give her the mandate to represent them in the District Assembly. Ms Afedze pledged to collaborate with the Unit Committees, which she said was not functioning at the moment to undertake development projects.

She called on her supporters to ensure a campaign devoid of insults, hatred and personality attack to ensure peaceful election on the September 12, 2006.