Dr. Vida Nyagre Yakong, an aspirant in the Parliamentary primaries of the National Democratic Congress has said, she is not in the race to seek a reward for things she has done for the Nabdam constituency.
The woman who grew from a humble background in a family of ten said, her instrumentality in the development of Nabdam is only her drive to give back to her people who have helped her in diverse ways for her personal development but not because she wants to be a member of parliament for the area.
She stated that she has been involved in developmental projects in the area and if she wanted to be rewarded, she would have contested in the two elections which had taken place in the past. She explained that she undertook various developmental projects in the area because she believed her people needed to move beyond where they are.
“My involvement in Nabdam development spans for over eleven years, and if I wanted to be rewarded for my good works I would have contested for Member of Parliament a long time ago. I believe in human development and eradicating poverty and that pushes me to do more for my people. I believe my people should be propelled to a higher height and that pushes me to do more for them.”
Dr. Vida Nyagre Yakong was speaking to A1 radio’s Azongo Albert on the station’s flagship program, Day Break Upper East.
The UDS lecturer indicated that the competition is between members of the same party so it should be devoid of insults and other derogatory remarks which will run the party down.
She maintained that using insulting language does not only mar the beauty of the competition but has a tolling effect on their party and its chances to win the general election.
Dr. Vida Nyagre Yakong was full of praise for the electoral reforms made by the National Democratic Congress which includes every card bearing member of the party in the voting process.
She maintained that vote buying is arrogant and should not be encouraged because it induce people not to vote for competent individuals but rather the highest bidder is always selected to represent the people.
She blamed the underdevelopment of various constituencies in the country on this and called on all well-meaning aspirants to desist from the act because Ghana deserves better.
“I don’t encourage vote buying. I will not make anybody buy my conscience because I am a well-meaning Ghanaian who wants the best for the country. Why should I stoop so low as selling my vote to the highest bidder, why, am i a slave?,” she asked.
Dr. Vida Yakong is the founder of Ghana Rural Opportunities for Women (GROW), a community based nonprofit organization focusing on women’s economic development, health care, capacity building, food security and creation of adult friendly literacy programs for rural women in Nabdam district. The organization has supported the livelihood of hundreds of women in the Nabdam district since its establishment in 2007.
Forty six candidates contesting for Parliamentary seats in the Upper East Region were taken through vetting on Tuesday, 22nd September.
The National Democratic Congress will go to the polls on November 7 to elect individuals who will represent the party in the 2016 parliamentary elections.
By Offei-Akoto Ayeh | A1RADIOONLINE.COM | GHANA
