Talensi, Upper East Region, Some outspoken youth in the Talensi Constituency have expressed concern over the progress of the Tongo-Sheaga-Duusi Road project, questioning an earlier communication by the NDC Constituency Communication Officer, Mr. Michael Nangena, regarding the arrival of construction materials.
The youth’s concerns followed a video shared by Mr. Nangena showing a long vehicle loaded with what was described as formwork materials intended for the road project. According to the youth, the communication created the impression that the materials would soon arrive in Talensi and facilitate the commencement of construction activities.
However, after about a week, some of the youth took to social media to question the whereabouts of the vehicle and the apparent lack of visible construction activity at the project site.
They argued that the situation raised concerns about whether political leaders were prioritising publicity over tangible development, particularly regarding the constituency’s long-standing road challenges.
“It is becoming painfully clear that our leaders are playing political games with the development of Talensi,” some of the youth stated in their social media reactions.
The youth also recalled concerns they had previously raised following the sod-cutting ceremony for the Tongo-Sheaga-Duusi Road. They claimed that weeks after the ceremony, the project site appeared deserted, with little visible activity at the contractor’s camp.
They maintained that residents were looking beyond ceremonial events, photographs and political statements and wanted to see sustained construction work leading to the completion of the road.
The youth further cautioned political leaders against taking the constituency’s electoral support for granted, pointing to Talensi’s long-standing support for the National Democratic Congress since 1992.
“If these roads are not fully tarred before 2028, consider your time in office over,” the youth warned, stressing that their concerns were centred on development rather than partisan politics.
They added that residents would ultimately use their votes to assess the performance of political leaders and determine who deserves their support in future elections.
However, responding to the concerns when contacted by ApexnewsGh, Mr. Michael Nangena, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Talensi Constituency Communication Officer disputed the youth’s claims, explaining that the materials in question had already arrived.
According to him, the materials were not meant to be permanently stored at the contractor’s camp because they were specifically intended for the construction of culverts.
He explained that transporting the materials to the camp and subsequently moving them back to the work location would serve no practical purpose.
“The equipment has since arrived, but it seems people didn’t notice,” Mr. Nangena said.
He added that the materials were being used for the construction of culverts and therefore did not necessarily have to be moved to or stored at the contractor’s camp.
“There’s no logic in moving them to and from the camp unnecessarily,” he explained.
Mr. Nangena further urged those questioning the development to verify the situation directly with the contractor, Araco, before drawing conclusions or publishing claims on social media.
He accused the aggrieved youth of failing to make the necessary enquiries before taking their concerns to social media, saying their approach could lead to misinformation being circulated among residents.
The differing accounts have now generated renewed debate among residents over the progress of the Tongo-Sheaga-Duusi Road project, with the youth demanding visible development while the constituency communication officer insists that work-related materials have arrived and are being deployed for construction purposes.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com