UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Pusiga Constituency has launched a strong attack on the government’s development priorities in the area, questioning why a new 24-hour market is being pursued while the constituency’s Agenda 111 district hospital remains incomplete and inner roads continue to deteriorate
The NPP Communications Officer for Pusiga, Sumaila Jafaru, made the comments on Monday, September 21, at a press conference in Pusiga, where he called for what he described as a more responsible sequencing of development projects
According to Mr. Jafaru, the NPP is not opposed to the construction of a modern market, but believes that the immediate needs of residents should determine which projects receive priority
“We are not outrightly against the market, we are questioning the priority at the given time,” he stated
Mr. Jafaru claimed that the Pusiga Agenda 111 hospital is about 70 percent complete, yet remains unfinished
He questioned why resources and attention were being directed towards a new 24-hour market when the hospital, which he described as substantially completed, still requires attention
He also raised concerns over the condition of inner roads in Pusiga, Widana and Kulungungu, arguing that poor roads could undermine the usefulness of new commercial infrastructure
The NPP communicator said the situation raises a fundamental question about development planning
“Why is a new 24-hour market receiving attention while the Agenda 111 hospital remains unfinished and the inner roads of Pusiga, Widana and Kulungungu remain in poor condition”
The concerns come amid the government’s nationwide rollout of 24-hour economy markets
Mr. Jafaru also criticised the process surrounding the demolition of the old Pusiga market and relocation of traders
He alleged that the transition was poorly planned and claimed that some traders were forced to construct their own sheds and kiosks without adequate support from the Assembly
He further alleged that the temporary market has a smaller carrying capacity than the previous facility, leaving some traders displaced
The NPP Communications Officer also questioned the suitability of the temporary market’s location, alleging that it is situated within a residential area
According to him, traders could face prolonged disruption during the estimated two-year construction period
“Two years is not two days; it’s 730 full days,” he stressed
Mr. Jafaru challenged President Mahama and the Pusiga Member of Parliament, Hajia Lardi Ayii Ayamba, to explain what was promised to constituents, what was announced and what is currently being delivered
He particularly questioned whether the specific construction of a 24-hour market in Pusiga formed part of the commitments made to residents before the 2024 elections
He urged the President to prioritise completion of the Agenda 111 hospital and improvement of inner roads
Addressing the Pusiga MP, Mr. Jafaru said political accountability should not be interpreted as hostility
“Accountability is not hostility. Questions are not insults. Demanding development is not disrespect,” he said
He called on the MP to intensify advocacy for the completion of the hospital and rehabilitation of inner roads
His statement comes as debate continues nationally over the government’s 24-hour market programme and whether some communities should prioritise new markets or other unfinished infrastructure. Critics have similarly called for greater consultation and, in some cases, consideration of directing resources towards incomplete Agenda 111 projects.
Mr. Jafaru concluded by insisting that the NPP’s position should not be interpreted as opposition to development
He said the party was demanding projects that address what it considers the constituency’s most urgent needs
“We are not rejecting progress; we demand progress with purpose,” he said.
He ended with a strong message to government and the constituency’s leadership”
Source – gbcuraonline.com
