The former Dean of Assembly Members and former Presiding Member of the Bawku Municipal Assembly, David Adoliba, has criticised what he describes as the sectoral approach adopted by Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Upper East Region in pursuing development, arguing that the absence of a coordinated regional agenda continues to undermine efforts to secure transformative projects.
Speaking on A1 Radio on the need for an inclusive development agenda for the Upper East Region, Mr. Adoliba said the region’s MPs have largely focused on constituency-specific interests at the expense of broader regional priorities, a situation he believes has weakened the region’s collective bargaining power.
He cited the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam as an example, questioning whether MPs from the region had done enough to keep the project high on the national agenda after commitments were made towards its implementation.
“Money was committed to the project, yet little has happened. Where were our parliamentarians? Did they follow up? Did they ask why the project had stalled?” he asked.
According to Mr. Adoliba, the Upper East Parliamentary Caucus was established to champion issues of regional importance before members pursue constituency-specific concerns. He, however, believes the caucus has not fully lived up to that responsibility.
While acknowledging that MPs have a duty to advocate for their respective constituencies, he said they must also rise above partisan and constituency interests to pursue projects capable of transforming the region as a whole.
“When our MPs speak with one voice, regardless of political affiliation, governments will find it difficult to ignore the priorities of the Upper East,” he stated.
Mr. Adoliba argued that fragmented advocacy has contributed to delays in strategic development initiatives and urged residents to hold their representatives accountable not only for securing projects but also for ensuring their implementation.
“The development of the Upper East cannot be driven by isolated constituency interests. It requires a united regional agenda backed by persistent advocacy,” he stressed.
He called for stronger collaboration among the region’s MPs to identify and collectively pursue major development priorities, including the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam, that could have an impact beyond individual constituencies.
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga
