The New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Talensi Constituency has criticised the Member of Parliament for the area, Daniel Dung Mahama over a reported GH¢100,000 donation to NDC constituency executive aspirants, contrasting the political expenditure with what it says are severe challenges facing schools in the constituency.
The NPP says pupils at Sawaliga Primary School are reportedly forced to learn on their bellies because of inadequate furniture, while several other schools continue to face infrastructure challenges.
In a press statement signed by the Talensi Constituency Communications Officer, Yinwonba Yinnamaltiman Emmanuel, the party questioned the MP’s priorities, arguing that political activities appeared to be receiving greater attention than some urgent educational needs.
“While he has every right to support his political party, the people of Talensi have every right to ask why political activity consistently appear to receive greater urgency than the pressing needs of his constituents?” the statement said.
The party also cited Tindongo Primary School, where it said pupils face serious infrastructure challenges, including a damaged roof.
According to the NPP, the educational challenges extend beyond infrastructure and furniture, with some first-year Senior High School students from the constituency who gained admission this year allegedly unable to obtain the support they needed to purchase basic items required to report to school.
The party therefore questioned why GH¢100,000 could be mobilised for political activities while some children in the constituency reportedly lack basic furniture to sit and learn.
Beyond education, the NPP raised concerns about the condition of roads, bridges, electricity and potable water in parts of the constituency.
It specifically cited the Baare area, where it said residents are repeatedly stranded during rainfall because of poor roads and bridges.
The statement also claimed that workers at Earl International’s mining operations and others working around the mining site face difficulties accessing the area because of the poor road network.
The NPP further questioned the purpose and source of the GH¢100,000 donation, raising allegations that financial inducements could be used to influence delegates ahead of the MP’s attempt to retain the parliamentary seat.
The party, however, stressed that it was not presenting the allegations as facts but was demanding transparency on the source of the funds and whether any public resources, including the MP’s Common Fund, were involved.
“These are legitimate questions that deserve clear answers and transparency,” the statement said.
The NPP called for greater attention to the basic needs of Talensi residents, particularly education, roads, bridges, water and electricity.
“Political ambition must never come before the basic needs of the people,” the statement added.
A1Radio | 101.1Mhz | Joshua Asaah
