The Upper East Regional Communication Officer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abdallah Jonathan Salifu, has dismissed growing public concerns that Members of Parliament (MPs) from the region are not doing enough to drive development in their constituencies.
Public sentiment has been mounting in recent months, with many residents expressing frustration over what they describe as minimal progress on long-standing development challenges. As one of the most deprived regions in Ghana, the Upper East has battled decades of infrastructural stagnation, fueling perceptions that political leaders have not shown sufficient commitment to transforming the region.
But speaking on the BlueWavesBreakfastShow programme on Monday, Mr. Salifu urged residents to be measured in their criticisms. While acknowledging that MPs deserve scrutiny and pressure, he argued that the narrative of underperformance does not reflect the full picture of their work.
According to him, the collective efforts of the region’s MPs have contributed significantly to the allocation of 45 development projects across various sectors—projects which he said have been duly advertised by the Regional Coordinating Council. “Our MPs perform better in Parliament and outside Parliament,” he said. “The majority of them chair important committees. We have given Ghana’s Parliament some of its finest MPs.”
He maintained that while calls for more development are valid, attempts to ridicule the MPs or dismiss their contributions entirely are unfair. “We are not saying don’t criticize us; we are not saying don’t ask for more projects. But when you seek to ridicule them, that is where we have issues,” he stressed.
Mr. Salifu further noted that the advertised projects, expected to commence by January, reflect the MPs’ influence and advocacy at the national level. He pointed to recent efforts by some lawmakers, including Dr. Dominic Ayine, who has cut sod for a new National Health Insurance office. “If within this short period an MP is doing this and you still claim he is not working, then perhaps you are not paying attention,” he remarked.
He also referenced ongoing plans for the construction of 10 kilometres of roads across various districts in the region, insisting that these developments are tangible evidence of the MPs’ commitment. “The districts will receive these roads because our MPs are working,” he said.
Mr. Salifu concluded by reiterating the need for constructive criticism rather than blanket condemnation, emphasising that progress, though gradual, is visible and should not be overlooked.
Source: Bluewaves Radio 93.7fm|Maurice Duncan
