You are here: HomeNews2013 02 17Article 265166

Politics of Sunday, 17 February 2013

Source: GNA

Uncoordinated development hits the poor - Former MP

Uncoordinated development agendas contribute to delay in completing programmes and projects aimed at improving living standards, particularly for people in marginalised communities, according to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Mfantsiman East and Deputy Majority Chief Whip, Mr George Kuntu-Blankson.

He has, therefore, urged organised groups in various constituencies to liaise with their members of parliament for the purpose of harmonising their common developmental agendas in spite of lack of resources.

Mr. Kuntu-Blankson was addressing a gathering at Ekumfi-Swedru and Otuam where the people engaged the former MP for Mfantsiman East, now known as Ekumfi Constituency, to impress upon him not to take a back seat in their quest to speed up development projects in the area.

”I wish to reiterate that very often, limited resources are not effectively channeled towards common development goals, with the simple reason that the various interest groups go about their programmes and projects in an uncoordinated manner.

“The end result of lack of coordination is the delay in completing programmes and projects aimed at improving the quality of life of the people, especially the marginalised ones,” Mr. Kuntu-Blankson emphasized.

During a forum at Ekumfi-Otuam, the fishermen expressed their displeasure about how pre-mix fuel proceeds were being accounted for, delays in modernising their beach to enhance fishing, and how funds meant for some development projects in the community have not being disbursed.

The people called for the funds to be used to construct a modern market to promote trading activities of the people.

Mr. Kuntu–Blankson asked the leaders of the fishermen and other opinion leaders to make it their first point to inform the current Member of Parliament about their concerns so that together they can forge a common ground in seeking the best solutions to their problems.

“…But I want to caution against peddling of lies and uncomplimentary comments about hardworking citizens who are committed to supporting the progress of Ekumfiman, no one but ourselves can move Ekumfi forward,” Mr. Kuntu–Blankson told the gathering.

The former Deputy Majority Chief Whip asked all Ghanaians to avoid negative acts, which only succeed in derailing the progress of most communities in Ghana.

He noted that this must not be allowed to continue in the present democratic environment where the government wanted everybody board to propel Ghana higher in the development drive.

Mr. Kuntu–Blankson expressed the hope that some constituency executives in Ekumfi, who had any disagreement with him in the run up to the December 7, 2012, not to let the past situation prevent them from seeking his support towards the betterment of the people.