The Member of Parliament (MP) for Builsa North Constituency in the Upper East Region, Lawyer James Agalga, has announced his intention to petition the World Bank over the alleged politicization of the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (Soco) Projects in his constituency.
The projects, aimed at enhancing socio-economic resilience in conflict- and climate-exposed regions, have become a political battleground, according to Lawyer Agalga.
Speaking at a health walk event held in the constituency, the MP further accused the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Madam Vida Akantagriwen Anaab, and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Parliamentary Candidate, Mr. Thomas Kofi Alonsi, of exploiting the Soco projects to score political points in the upcoming 2024 elections.
The Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Soco Project, designed to uplift communities facing challenges, the legislator said, has been misused for partisan gains, undermining its intended purpose.
Lawyer Agalga voiced his concerns, stating that the projects, crucial for the well-being of communities, are being diverted for political advantage.
He expressed disappointment in what he labeled as the “unfortunate” behavior of the Chief Executive and the Parliamentary Candidate, asserting that their actions are compromising the genuine objectives of the Soco initiatives.
The MP elaborated on his claim, highlighting that the projects were meant to address conflict and climate risks in lagging regions, including Builsa North Constituency. Instead, they have allegedly been co-opted as tools for political maneuvering, sidelining the actual needs of the communities involved.
Lawyer Agalga emphasized that if this behavior persists, he is prepared to take the matter to the international stage by filing a petition with the World Bank. Such a move, he said, would draw attention to the alleged misuse of funds and resources meant for community development and social cohesion.
The Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Soco Project holds significance for Ghana, particularly in regions facing challenges exacerbated by conflicts and climate-related issues, of which the five regions of the North are beneficiaries.
Source:A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga|
