The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Talensi Constituency has raised concerns over a reported GH¢100,000 donation by the Member of Parliament for the area, Daniel Dung Mahama, to National Democratic Congress (NDC) constituency executive aspirants, questioning the priority given to political activities amid what it describes as pressing development challenges confronting residents.
In a statement signed by the Talensi Constituency Communications Officer, Yinwonba Yinnamaltiman Emmanuel, the NPP said the reported financial support had raised concerns, particularly at a time when several schools in the constituency were allegedly struggling with inadequate infrastructure and basic learning facilities.
According to the party, pupils at Sawaliga Primary School are reportedly compelled to learn while lying on their bellies due to a shortage of desks and other essential furniture.
The NPP also cited Tindongo Primary School, where it alleged that pupils continue to face serious infrastructure challenges, including a damaged roof.
The party argued that the situation raises questions about the priorities of political leadership, particularly when significant amounts of money are reportedly being channelled into political activities while some basic educational needs remain unresolved.
“While he has every right to support his political party, the people of Talensi have every right to ask why political activity consistently appear to receive greater urgency than the pressing needs of his constituents?” the statement questioned.
Concerns over SHS students
The NPP further alleged that the challenges extend beyond basic schools to the Senior High School level.
It claimed that some first-year students from the constituency who secured admission this academic year have struggled to obtain the necessary support to purchase basic items required for their enrolment and successful reporting to school.
The party therefore questioned why GH¢100,000 could reportedly be mobilised for political activities when, according to it, some children in the constituency continue to lack basic furniture to sit on while learning.
The NPP said it was not opposed to political actors supporting their parties or candidates but insisted that such activities should not overshadow the developmental needs of constituents.
Roads, bridges and other infrastructure
Beyond education, the NPP raised concerns about the condition of roads and bridges, as well as access to electricity and potable water in parts of the Talensi Constituency.
The party specifically mentioned the Baare area, where it alleged that residents are repeatedly stranded during periods of heavy rainfall because of the poor condition of roads and bridges.
It further claimed that workers of Earl International’s mining operations and other individuals who work around the mining area also encounter difficulties accessing the site due to the condition of the road network.
According to the party, the situation has the potential to affect economic activity and the movement of residents, workers and goods within affected communities.
Questions over source of GH¢100,000
The NPP also raised questions about the reported GH¢100,000 donation, particularly its source and purpose.
The party suggested that the financial support could be connected to efforts to influence delegates ahead of the MP’s reported attempt to retain his parliamentary seat.
However, the NPP stressed that it was not presenting the allegation as an established fact.
Instead, it called for transparency regarding the source of the funds and whether any public resources, including the MP’s Common Fund, were used for the reported donation.
“These are legitimate questions that deserve clear answers and transparency,” the statement said.
The party maintained that its concerns were driven by what it described as the need for accountability and responsible use of resources, particularly in a constituency where several communities are allegedly still grappling with basic developmental challenges.
The NPP is therefore calling on the MP and relevant authorities to provide clarity on the reported GH¢100,000 donation and to address concerns surrounding education, roads, bridges, water and other essential infrastructure in the Talensi Constituency.
The allegations contained in the NPP statement have not been independently verified, and the MP’s response to the concerns was not included in the statement.
Source: Mybluewavesonline.com|Maurice Duncan | Bolgatanga
