James Gbandan Konzabre, a leading aspirant for the position of Upper East Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), has defended the party’s development record in the region while cautioning that resources cannot be concentrated in one area simply because of electoral loyalty.
Speaking on the Bluewaves Breakfast Show, Konzabre stressed that although the Upper East has consistently supported the NDC, the government must balance development across the country.
“As the old saying goes, the fact that we have benefited does not mean we cannot ask for more. We have benefited, but we want to benefit more,” he said. “But remember, resources are scarce. You cannot expect the country to give everything to our party just because we have been voting well for them. It does not work that way.”
He noted that residents of the Ashanti and Eastern regions also pay taxes and deserve development, regardless of how they vote. “As a very responsible government like the NDC, we would not want to take all the country’s resources to develop the Upper East Region simply because we have been doing so well there,” Konzabre stated. “That is not to say we will not give the Upper East its fair share. We will certainly give the fair share… but giving the fair share does not mean giving everything the country gets to one particular region.”
Konzabre maintained that the region has received what it deserves under successive NDC governments and expressed confidence that more would come under the current administration. “We know that with the NDC we will get more, and we will continue to ask for more,” he added.
Addressing criticisms that little development is visible, the former Dean of Presiding Members in the Upper East said development is relative and that ongoing projects can be seen across constituencies.
He cited the construction of 24-hour economy markets now the Model Market Project in every constituency as one example, insisting the projects respond to genuine community needs. He also pointed to infrastructure works at secondary schools, including structures at Gambibgo Senior High School and the completed Yameriga Senior High School in his own constituency in the Talensi District.
“When the NPP took over, they left the school the way we left it when we lost power in 2016. But we have finished that school and it is ready for use now,” Konzabre said. “People can close their eyes and say they are not seeing anything; that is within their rights. But those who want to see will certainly see something.”
He concluded by asserting that the NDC’s performance in the Upper East surpasses what the New Patriotic Party (NPP) achieved during its 16 years in power, and reaffirmed the region’s loyalty to the party.
Konzabre, who recently filed his nomination for the regional secretary position, is campaigning on a platform of experienced leadership and grassroots organisation.
By Gayheart Abraham
Source: Mybluewavesonline.Com|Maurice Duncan | Bolgatanga
