Has the Volta Region an Agenda?

The simple answer to my question is yes. If so what is the agenda of the region? In the preceding paragraphs of this piece, I will try and unravel what I believe is the genuine agenda of the region.

First, there is no doubt in my mind that the quality of a country’s governance system is a key determinant of its ability to pursue sustainable economic and social development for the benefit of the whole populace. More fundamentally, the open governance system being practiced in Ghana is more likely to generate responsible and responsive outcomes and may lead to a proper focus on policy development. As a nation I believe we have come a long way to earn the respect of the international community and among our contemporaries we are miles ahead.
Second, our political institutions in particular the judiciary, legislative and executive arm, the fourth estate, security services all seem to be working in tandem. I honestly, believe Ghana deserves a pat on its back but must be equally mindful of the pitfalls that await us- no room for complacency.
Third, political freedoms in Ghana have empowered its citizens to press for policies that expand social and economic opportunities. This has led to some clashes and misunderstandings on the role of the police service in a democratic system-aka the Yendi issue. The open and transparent debates has also assisted communities to shape their priorities and ensured that our young people are part of the democratic experiment. Maybe the time is ripe for our leaders to get together to produce a pro-active national community strategy that will transcend tribe, class, gender and political affiliations. This leads me on to the next nagging issue the quality and nature of debates on Ghanaweb.
Ghanaweb

The truth of the matter is, around 85% of all the articles, contributions, comments on Ghanaweb are analytical, concise and informative. Some articles are refreshing and enlightening pieces of work others are just “palm-wine” talk. My concern is the response/rejoinder of contributors when it comes to issues concerning the Volta Region. Surprisingly enough, our usual Ghanaian politeness, respect for each other, mutual understanding and tolerance, reverence of the elderly is all thrown overboard in our discussions regarding the region.

Folks, do not get me wrong, there are others too who are interested in Ashanti bashing but my gut feeling is there are more Ewe bashers on the web than any other group. I condemn all tribal bigots whether they are Ashanti bashers or Ewe bashers, they are all scums of the earth. However, there is no denying the fact that when issues pertaining to the Volta Region are raised on the web most contributors spit venom and hate. The animal instincts in us take over-why?


Under the guise of free speech folks insult, malign, and write extremely hurtful comments about their own kith and kin. There are times when I begin to wonder whether these contributors to the web understand or are aware of the damage that they are causing to the image of our country? Or the pain that they inflict on our brothers and sisters?

Ghanaweb has moved on from the good old days and is now possibly the “ears and eyes of Ghanaians in the Diaspora”. It is becoming a must read website for potential investors and tourists wishing to visit our dear country and I wish contributors will be a bit more circumspect in their writings and contributions.

Refocusing
My simple question to those tribal bigots is simple: Have Ghanaians the time, energy and luxury to add more social divisive issues to our already explosive poverty and jobs agenda? Have we the strength to tear ourselves apart? Are we capable of resolving the “ticking time –bomb” of massive youth unemployment? Are we going to use the power of the pen to write filth about our own brothers and sisters? Are we blind to the realities on the ground? Are we oblivious to the fact that our strength as a nation lies in our ability to feed, clothe and house the poor and vulnerable?
Our young people whether masquerading as NDC youth, concerned young people, toilet takers, car park snatchers have one thing in common – frustration and hopelessness. The Yendi saga and other actions taking by our young people is a wakeup call to all Ghanaians. We must re-focus our energies, talents and resources to create a better society for the next generation.
To put it bluntly, Ghana is a poor nation. I wish readers and contributors to the web would be interested in the Government’s commitment to Poverty Reduction Strategies not tribal clap-trap. I wish readers would be asking hard edge -cutting questions, like how much resources do we spend as a nation on poverty reduction and equitable social development policies? Or what percentage of our Gross Domestic Product is spend on:
• People–based development projects, primary health care, basic education and safe drinking water?
• Employment generating activities, including agriculture, skills training and provision of basic infrastructure?

These are some of the pertinent questions that need asking by our readers and contributors not tribal bashing or tribal superiority nonsense.

The world and friends of Ghana want to know what steps we are taking together as a nation to bring about real improvements that will change the lives of our people for the better. As a country we have made great strides in recent years but we are in danger of becoming a less cohesive society. We must be all determined to build a society that is more prosperous, healthier and more cohesive but just as importantly recognising our diversity. Now to the central theme of this piece is there a Volta Region Agenda?
Volta Region Agenda- An Agenda for Change
I wish to set the record straight. As far as the Chiefs and people of the Volta Region are concerned there is a real genuine Volta Agenda and this is captured in the 5 year Volta Region Economic Development Plan (VORDEP) and also in the Volta Foundation Document. For the benefit of all Ghanaians in Ghana and the Diaspora, I will like to quote Togbe Afede X1V, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs and Board Chairman of the Volta Region Development Agency when he launched the first ever comprehensive $250 million 5 year Volta Region Economic Development Plan
“The development plan we are launching today was inspired by the belief that the development of our nation is a shared responsibility, and the traditional authorities, who are closest to the people, have an important role to play. Our aim is to contribute to the enhancement of the region’s socio-economic infrastructure, and facilitate our attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.
Through the initiation, and hopefully, the implementation of this development plan, the chiefs are marking a new beginning for the Volta Region. We are taking a bold step towards a stronger acceptance of our responsibility to facilitate the realization of the development aspirations of our people. And we are calling on all of the region’s sons and daughters to play a role in the unfolding history.”
Also the Volta Foundation a sister organisation to the Volta Region Development Agency and a powerful agent for change in the Region has its mission statement as “we envision a region of economically empowered people contributing towards the eradication of deprivation, unemployment and hopelessness””.
Before readers start quoting the writings of other prominent Voltarians which may contradict the official agenda of the Chiefs and people of the region let me state categorically without any ambiguity that VORDEP is the product and brain-child of the Chiefs and people of the Volta Region. It has the authority and stamp of the Volta Region House of Chiefs and its implementation is led by no less a person than the President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs representing the collective will and interest of the people of the Region.

An agenda which aspires to contribute to the region’s socio economic infrastructure and facilitate the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals is a vision that we can all buy into. An agenda that seek to: Develop new ICT and technical education centres; improve water, health and sanitation facilities; improve road networks; increase job opportunities; reduce the high level of unemployment among young people; improve the image and infrastructure of Ho the capital of Volta Region; improve illiteracy rates; liberate and empower women.

Of course, in any democratic society everyone is entitled to his/her opinion and one cannot censor writings and speeches that are inflammatory, derogatory or anti-democratic. I will not hold fort for anyone whether black, white, Akan, Voltarian who thinks or acts as if he/she is a superior human being by virtue of his colour or tribal background. It is possible that other prominent Voltarians may hold different agendas for the region but the only agenda that matters to the Chiefs, ordinary folks and people of the Volta region is the economic development agenda. The only road-show in town is the show of economic and social empowerment among all the people in the region any other show can be seen at “Dunia Cinema Hall at Nima”
With Humility
First and foremost, I must express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Volta Region House of Chiefs and all the people of the Volta Region in particular Togbe Afede X1V, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs and Board Chairman of the Volta Region Development Agency. I am extremely humbled and honoured to have been given the opportunity to serve on the Board of the Volta Region Development Agency to work alongside the Government, development partners, key-stakeholders, young people, women and all Voltarians to help build a fair, prosperous and equitable society in the Region.
In my current role, I have travelled across the Region, met with opinion leaders, key stakeholders, young people, Assembly Members, MP’s to discuss development issues. All have expressed the same sentiment a common agenda- economic empowerment. The Volta Region’s Agenda is no different from any deprived area’s agenda. It is an agenda for change, an agenda to improve the total well-being of all citizens of the region. Is this a region that needs to be maligned and pooh-poohed by some of your contributors?
Yes, I do believe that each region in Ghana deserves a Regional Development Agency to spearhead its economic and social regeneration efforts. Yes, I do share the sentiments of some of your readers that the national cake must be shared equitably and that as much as possible it should depend on need. However, it is extremely disingenuous for some of us to consistently and unashamedly write provocative comments about one particular region.
Before, your readers eat me alive, I implore them to consider one thing- are we not all God’s children? Are we not our brother’s keeper? Do we not owe our less fortunate brothers a dime? By all means let us criticise, attack, condemn or malign individuals who are bigots and outright tribalists they have no space or room in contemporary Ghana – by all means go for the juggler but for Heaven’s Sake be specific. You cannot insult all my folks from Nkawie just because you think I am lousy, and a fool. Fine, you can criticise my writings, my lifestyle, my personality and may even hate my guts – that is okay I am big enough to withstand constructive and destructive criticisms – I have a tough skin- but Please do not extend your personal dislike for me to my children, homefolks, tribal group or my country people. I am personally accountable for my writings, behaviour and actions.
Strength in Diversity
As Ghanaians we must draw strength from our distinctive identity and have a common sense of ownership and pride. Ghana must be a country where the entire people feel connected because of its distinctive history and heritage and because it is a country whose future we are helping to shape. We must build a country where people respect and care for each other and share a sense of responsibility and pride. We must work hard to create a rainbow alliance, an a la carte nation where tuozafi, abolo, kenkey, kokonte, dawadawa, fufuo are all part of our national cuisine. Let us be grateful to our Lord and thank him for giving us a small piece of land called Ghana for us to share and enjoy.

Conclusion
In concluding, I wish to remind readers that as a nation we are glued by one umbilical cord, my next door neighbour at Romiley in Cheshire knows me as Appiah from Ghana not Appiah from Nkawie. I do believe that there is such a critical mass of knowledge and untapped skills amongst us Ghanaians to make us move forward as one people. Collectively, let us today remind ourselves of these ten words of two letters each: “If it is to be, it is up to us”. We are the navigators of our countries destiny. The days of auto piloting are over. The Volta Region’s Agenda is your Agenda as well

God Bless
Kufuor, Appiah-Danquah