Benjamin Kpodo, MP for Ho Central
Benjamin Kpodo, National Democratic Congress Member of Parliament for Ho Central, says he finds it difficult to understand why the Chiefs and people of Volta Region should be angry with the Mahama government over what they see as its lack of commitment to their developmental needs.
The MP is particularly nonplussed by the behaviour of the Chief of Kpenoe Traditional Area, Togbe Kotoku XI, who led a press conference on Tuesday to issue a two-week ultimatum to the Mahama government to fix their deplorable roads, with the threat that no political activity would be allowed in the area if their demand was not met.
The Chiefs of Volta Region have intensified their agitations against the Mahama government, which they have accused of only interested in their votes, and not their well-being.
Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of Asogli and President of Volta Region House of Chiefs, recently accused the NDC of not showing interest in developmental issues in the region, adding that the governing party had taken the region for granted, with a show of gross disrespect towards the chiefs and the people.
The latest agitations are coming from the Paramount and Divisional Chiefs of Kpenoe, Takla and Hodzo communities in the Ho Municipality, who have given the Mahama government a two-week ultimatum to fix their deplorable roads.
Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, the Paramount Chief of Kpenoe Traditional Area, Togbe Kotoku XI, warned that failure to commence works on their roads would leave them with no option than to block the roads to vehicular traffic.
They will subsequently declare a 'three month of communal labor' to fix the roads themselves, and during that no political party will be allowed to carry out its activities in the area.
Before yesterday’s press conference, the youth of the area had gone on a series of demonstrations to draw the attention of the government to the poor nature of their roads.
The Chief lamented that the roads linking their three communities to the Ho, the regional capital, arre the worst in the Municipality.
Togbe Kotoku XI further indicated that he and his people felt neglected by the NDC government when it comes to development.
“We have made several attempts to bring government’s attention to our plight. Our youth organized demonstrations and sent petitions to no avail. Tension is gradually mounting among our youth over the seemingly neglect of our roads whilst some other roads in the municipality are being fixed with enthusiasm ahead of the December polls.
"We are therefore praying that some work starts on our roads in two weeks; if not, we will block the roads and declare three months of communal labor to fix our roads", he stressed.
Togbe Kotoku XI threatened: "during this period, we will ban any political activity in the traditional areas to ensure that our people remain focused and committed to the work on the roads. Should any political party take the risk and come here, we can't guarantee their safety."
Although a bulldozer was seen clearing shoulders of the roads, the Chiefs believe it is one of government's gimmicks for political gains.
"We have seen a rickety bulldozer on the roads about three days ago but since nobody has come to introduce the contractor to us, we are sure they are not in for real business, perhaps the government only wants to use this as a camouflage to get votes from us", one stressed.
Commenting on the position of the Chiefs on Anopa Kasapa on Kasapa 102.5 FM yesterday, the Ho Cetral MP, Benjamin Kpodo, said he was taken aback by the harsh decision of the Chiefs, led by Togbe Kotoku XI.
According to him, the deplorable roads in the area are age-long problem, claiming that the Mahama administration had earnestly put in much effort fix the problem. He said a contractor had begun working on the roads.
“I have been engaging them. All documents covering the project we’re undertaking, I have shown it to them when I recently met them. The Assemblyman; Togbe Kotoku XI, for instance, has access to all the documents and I am surprised that these things are happening. Maybe, because the other road (there are two Lots on one paper) went earlier they think that they will complete that one and leave theirs, but I have constantly assured them that we’ll do it. And fortunately the second contractor has showed up and he’s clearing the road,” the MP claimed in the radio interview.
