NPP Prez Aspirant Meets Offinsoman Union in Virginia

Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, MP for Offinso-north constituency and NPP presidential aspirant candidate, met the Offinsoman Union in Virginia on November 4, 2007 and apprised them of the events at home and also appealed to them to be a part in their own little way in solving the problems that is faced by the people of Offinso in order to ensure sustainable economic growth in the district and to make it a more desirable place to live. Offinso is one of the largest districts in the country which is lacking progress for some time now. He appealed to them to look back and figure out in a small way how each of them can help to build the district. He made his intensions clear on how he could impact positive changes in Offinso and Ghana as a whole, if he becomes president. For the well-being and quality of life of the district?s inhabitants, there is an urgent need to create and retain more jobs to ensure growth in income and tax base, and improve the infrastructure facilities.

Dr. Apraku enumerated some of the issues facing the district such as water, sanitation, health, education, information technology, communication, lack of suitable libraries and other educational resources such as computers and teaching aids, markets and clinics which he classified as basic amenities needed to ensure quality of life. He promised to work to the best of his capacity to make it available and also affordable for the people in Offinso and the whole nation as well when he becomes president.

Dr. Apraku also commented on the issue of rising human capital flight (brain-drain) and pledged to combat it when he becomes president. He attributed it as a negative externality imposed on the population left behind which results in slower economic development and lower standard of living. He promised to make provision which will attract people from all walks of life and professions to make Ghana their dwelling abode. He appeals to all the citizens in Diasporas not to rule out locating back home. He promised to set up more lucrative incentives to attract them to come back and settle at home permanently. Dr. Apraku said ?The whole nation needs your contribution and already you have done a lot through the remittances that family folks enjoy from you. What is left is a government role to make provisions which will attract you to come home and that is what I will do.? Mr. Stephen Mensah, the secretary of the union showed concern on effective decentralization that reflects the high values of modern democracy, ?instead being the power reserved by the president in showing appreciation to his own supporters, by appointing them to important positions instead of being elected by their own people? Such a measure will be an effective tool to make the leaders responsible and accountable. He further on urged the MP to show support in having our District Chief Executives (DCE) elected than being nominated when ever it comes up as a national debate. Dr. Apraku supported him on this issue and also stressed on the devolution of decision-making powers to the lowest levels of government authority to promote democracy and participation, such that local people are directly involved in decisions and developments. He understood the needs of the measures and promised to address it when he becomes president. Mrs. Georgina Baah Dwomoh, a member of the Union, raised the issue of rampant armed robbery which frightens and threatens the lives of the citizens of Ghana. Having a sense of insecurity in your own home is something that shouldn?t happen. It is the responsibility of the Government to take the issue seriously. It has deterred her and a lot of people from going back to their own country because they feel that their own government is not in a position to provide them the national safety that every citizen is entitled to. Dr. Apraku showed serious concern and realized it as a big problem and promised to embark on a massive crack down of those who commit such atrocious and notorious acts. Mr. James Owusu Kwarteng, the financial secretary of the union urged the MP to identify the potential leaders in the Offinso traditional council and work with them. He said that forming effective alliance with the council will enhance development and work towards a common goal. He also showed concern on the lower performance standards of the schools in the district and urged the MP to consider it as a top priority. He stressed on the need for education as a backbone to the success of development, therefore a lot needs to be done by the leaders of the district.

The Offinso people in Virginia in their response said they were happy to have fruitful discussion with their MP . The President of the union, Mr. Isaac Owusu Ansah said they were very much encouraged by the MP?s visit and that they were going to be very supportive of any meaningful development projects in Offinso. He stressed on the non partisan status of the Offinsoman union but urge on that anything that will bring development to the people of Offinso is what they stand for and will continuo be supportive and do all what they can to make the people of offinso life better.