As the 2024 elections approach, a powerful wind of change is sweeping through the rural communities in the Upper West Region of Ghana.
For far too long, citizens in these areas have been fed up with empty political promises that never materialize into tangible change. As the election fervor heats up, these communities are making it clear that they will no longer accept mere words without action.
The familiar cycle of politicians making grand promises during campaign season, only to conveniently forget them once elected, has left its mark on these communities.
Basic social amenities such as access to clean water, reliable electricity, adequate healthcare facilities, and functional schools have remained elusive for many residents. Frustration has simmered beneath the surface for years, but now it has reached a boiling point.
In a recent series of interviews conducted by Info Radio, residents from these communities expressed their growing discontent with the status quo.
"In the last elections, we voted for people and didn't receive any benefit from it. This year's election, we will not vote for any politician if we don't see commitment from the person," declared Madam Alice Dagbee, a resident from Naro community in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
Mr Kpaamah Haruna Mandela, the Assembly Member for Naro Electoral Area speaking to Info Radio stated that the residents are tired of empty promises from politicians.
He mentioned that this year, “the community is united and will only give their vote to anyone who will help them. We do not care whether you are NPP or NDC."
The sentiment was echoed by Wulo Bache, a farmer from Kangba in the Wa West District. "We deserve better," he asserted.
"We want to see real progress in our communities, not just during election season, but consistently. It's time for politicians to deliver on their commitments."
According to him, politicians have, on several occasions, promised to fix their deplorable school to give their children a better education, but they never honor their promise.
In Busa in the Wa Municipality, residents say they will vote for a candidate who brings development and shows commitment to do more if elected.
These voices are not isolated incidents. The call for tangible action over rhetoric reverberates through the streets and fields of these communities. The residents have realized the power of their collective voice, and they are determined to hold politicians accountable for their words.
The residents of Zinnye in the Wa East District have made a strong commitment to prevent any politician from entering their community to campaign if they fail to fulfill their promises. They have united in their stance and declared that they will boycott the December general election unless they receive electricity, a health center, and improved roads.
As the 2024 elections loom large, the message from Naro, Kangba, Bussie, Busa, Manwe, Varempare, Zinnye, Babile, and Siiruu is clear: no more empty promises. The era of complacency is over, and the dawn of a new age of accountability is upon us. The residents of these communities are no longer content to be passive recipients of hollow assurances. They demand action, and they demand it now.
In the coming months, the entire nation will be watching as these communities stand firm in their resolve. The winds of change blow strong through the Upper West Region, carrying with them the hopes and aspirations of a people who refuse to be ignored any longer.
The 2024 elections will be a litmus test for politicians, a chance to prove that they are not just capable of making promises, but also of turning those promises into reality. The call for action from Naro, Kangba, Bussie, Busa, Manwe, Varempare, Zinnye, Babile, and Siiruu serves as a powerful reminder to all politicians: the time for change is now.
The people have spoken, and their message is loud and clear. This is a wake-up call, not just for the upcoming elections, but for the future of governance in Ghana. The communities are no longer waiting for change - they are demanding it.
Comments