Tension is running high in the Talensi NDC party, particularly among members from the East, over a decision made by their Member of Parliament, Daniel Mahama Dung, to divert a training college promised to the people of Talensi in Yameriga by President John Dramani Mahama to his own house. The controversy came to a head at a meeting held on Sunday at Sheaga Primary School, where aggrieved party members from the East gathered to express their displeasure over the MP’s decision. The MP himself was not present at the meeting, but sent three representatives, led by Michael Zoogah the former Shega Electoral Area. According to sources, the meeting was heated, with party members from the East arguing that the President had specifically promised the training college to the people of Yamiriga during the 2024 campaign period, and that it was originally designated to be located in the East. They alleged that the MP had “smartly” taken it to the Central part of the constituency, specifically to his own house. According to our source, the representatives of the MP attempted to defend the decision, but the aggrieved party members were not convinced. They insisted that the training college was a vital development project for the East, and that the MP’s actions were a betrayal of their trust. After much debate, it was resolved that a committee would be formed to look into the matter. However, the youth who were present at the meeting expressed their dissatisfaction with the MP’s approach to the development and vowed to take action. The meeting ended with a sense of unease and mistrust among the party members, with many wondering if the MP’s actions would ultimately benefit the people of Talensi. As the controversy continues to simmer, one thing is certain – the people of Talensi are watching closely to see how the situation will unfold. However, the Member of Parliament for Talensi Constituency, Daniel Mahama Dung, addressed the allegations from the aggrieved party members, accusing him of diverting a proposed training college to his personal residence. In an interview with Apexnewsgh, the MP explained the sequence of events and his motivations, aiming to set the record straight for his constituents. According to Mr. Dung, he initially advocated for the use of the constituency’s E-block facility in Yameriga as the site for the new training college, hoping it could be converted for that purpose. However, he was informed that the E-block, constructed with the approval of the UNDP, was designated specifically to relieve pressure on existing secondary schools and could not be repurposed for a college. “They told me it was a policy and that E-blocks were meant to remain secondary schools, especially in rural areas,” Dung explained. Undeterred, the MP suggested alternative locations, including Duusi and the Lamanteng School near the district assembly. However, these too were rejected by the accreditation authorities, who cited issues ranging from insufficient space to the lack of qualified tutors and support staff required by the National Accreditation Board. Mr. Dung expressed his determination not to let the opportunity slip away for Talensi. “My biggest concern is the lack of teachers in our lower primary schools, which is affecting the standard of education. Having a teacher training college in the constituency would help address this challenge,” he said. Faced with repeated setbacks, the MP decided to offer his own newly constructed 14-bedroom hotel as a temporary campus for the proposed training college. “I told them, ‘If all these options are not viable, I have my house, a hotel with executive rooms, that can be converted for classroom use.’ The accreditation team inspected the facility and agreed that four of the rooms could meet the required standards, but advised that at least nine classrooms would be needed for the school to operate fully.” To meet this requirement, Mr. Dung purchased 10,000 blocks and began constructing an additional five-unit classroom block with eight washrooms. He established a committee to oversee the project and reached out to community members and well-wishers for further support. He stressed that this initiative is a private effort, not a government allocation. “There’s no provision for a training college in the government budget for our area. We are starting this privately, and I’ve promised to donate a pickup vehicle and provide seed capital of $300,000 to get things running. I’m also reaching out to others to support with funding and resources, because we need to pay lecturers and administrative staff until the government can absorb the school in the future.” Mr. Dung also addressed rumors about the siting of a 24-hour market project in the constituency, clarifying that decisions about its location are made by government consultants and not influenced by local MPs or district chiefs. “It is the government and consultants who decide where public projects go, not me or the DCE,” he emphasized. He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the development of Talensi and called on all stakeholders to work together for the benefit of the community. “I want the best for our people. This training college is not about personal gain; it’s about making sure our children have access to quality education and better opportunities for the future,” he said. Through his detailed account, Mr. Dung hopes to dispel misconceptions and rally community support for the training college project, which he believes will be a game-changer for education in Talensi. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
