The paramount chief of Goaso Traditional Area, Nana Akwasi Bosomprah, has clarified that he is not against the government of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, after he broke down in tears while lamenting the lack of development in his community. He made this clarification in a media interview, following his emotional plea to former president John Dramani Mahama, who visited the area as part of his thank-you tour.
Nana Akwasi Bosomprah said he was only speaking the truth about the poor state of roads, health facilities, and other amenities in his jurisdiction, and that he did not intend to disrespect or undermine the current administration. He said he was moved by the plight of his people, who have been suffering from the effects of underdevelopment for a long time. He also said he was not influenced by any political party or agenda, but rather by his traditional duty as a chief to advocate for the welfare of his subjects.
“I am not against the NPP government. I am not a politician. I am a chief, and I have to speak for my people. Everybody knows that what I am saying is the truth, and if I am speaking the truth, I don’t fear anybody except God,” he said.
He added that he was happy to see some improvement in the development projects in his area, such as the construction of a park and the promise of a road from Tepa to Goaso. He said he hoped that the government would fulfil its pledges and deliver more infrastructure to his community and the entire Ahafo region.
The Goaso chief’s cry for development resonated with many Ghanaians, who expressed sympathy and solidarity with him on social media. Some also criticized the government for neglecting the rural areas and focusing on urban centres. Others praised the former president for listening to the chief and promising to address his concerns if he returns to power.
The issue of development has been a major topic of debate in Ghana, especially as the country prepares for the 2024 general elections. The government has declared 2022 as another year of roads, and announced plans to start work on nine new major road projects across the country. The government has also touted its achievements in other sectors, such as education, health, agriculture, and energy. However, the opposition has accused the government of failing to deliver on its promises and of mismanaging the economy.
According to the World Bank, Ghana’s economy grew by 0.4% in 2020, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and is projected to grow by 4.6% in 2021 and 6.2% in 2022. However, the country also faces challenges such as high debt, inflation, unemployment, and poverty. The World Bank has urged the government to implement fiscal consolidation measures, enhance revenue mobilization, and improve public financial management.
As Ghana strives to achieve its vision of becoming a middle-income country by 2030, the role of development in enhancing the quality of life of its citizens cannot be overemphasized. The government, the opposition, the traditional authorities, and the civil society all have a stake in ensuring that development is inclusive, equitable, and sustainable. The cry of the Goaso chief is a reminder of the need for collective action and dialogue to address the development gaps and challenges in the country.
Source: GhanaWeb
