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In an unexpected turn of events, residents of some communities in the Atwima Mponua Constituency of the Ashanti Region have been asked to pay GHS 50 each to cover the cost of fuel before road construction can begin in their area. This directive reportedly came from the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Atwima Mponua, Hon. Isaac Kofi Marfo, and the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) within the constituency.
According to reports, road construction equipment, specifically DRIP machines, intended to improve the condition of the constituency’s roads, are currently stationed at Afepaye, awaiting the start of the work. However, before the construction could commence, residents were asked to contribute the specified amount per person to purchase fuel for the machines, a request that has sparked outrage and frustration among the affected communities.
At a press conference addressing this development, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Constituency Secretary, Issahak Ibrahim, expressed concerns over the manner in which the situation is being handled. He accused the NPP Parliamentary candidate for Atwima Mponua, Seth Osei Akoto, of misleading the community by relocating the equipment to Afepaye under the pretense that the road improvements would proceed, only for residents to later learn they would be required to contribute financially.
Ibrahim stated that the NDC is demanding a full refund of all contributions made by residents under these circumstances. “This request for contributions is unacceptable and an undue financial burden on the residents,” Ibrahim emphasized. “We call on Mr. Seth Osei Akoto, Hon. Isaac Kofi Marfo, and the NPP leadership to immediately refund all funds collected from the constituents of Atwima Mponua.”
Additionally, the NDC is urging the NPP officials to promptly utilize the DRIP equipment for the intended road improvements, as many residents in the affected areas have long awaited these developments. According to Ibrahim, the delays and additional costs have put a strain on residents, who were hopeful that the promised road rehabilitation would finally be realized without additional personal costs.
The incident has led to further calls from the NDC for transparency in the use of government resources and fair treatment of community members. The NDC insists that road construction, as a public project, should be carried out without imposing additional fees on residents, who they argue have already contributed through taxes.
Residents’ Reactions and Calls for Intervention
Several residents have voiced their dissatisfaction with the request for contributions, describing it as an unfair demand. Mr. Karim, a resident of Afepaye, expressed disappointment, stating, “We were under the impression that the roads would be constructed for us without any additional financial burden. Now, we are being asked to pay before the work can start.”
Agya Asaana, another resident, echoed these concerns and called for immediate government intervention to address the situation and ensure that the road project is conducted without requiring funds from the community.
The NDC has urged residents not to succumb to the demand for funds, urging them to stand firm until the issue is resolved and the road construction proceeds as initially promised.
For more information on this story, contact:
Issahak Ibrahim, NDC Constituency Secretary: 0244995888
Hon. Stephen Yeboah, NDC Parliamentary Candidate – Atwima Mponua: 0249026729
Mr. Karim (Resident): 0550839918
Agya Asaana (Resident): 0246933464
This situation continues to unfold, with residents and political parties closely monitoring how authorities will address the community’s concerns and whether the necessary funds will be refunded as requested.
