Technical Officer at Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) John Kofi Boateng, has denied allegations made by Nana Boakye, an NDC member, that Ellembelle District Chief Executive Kwasi Bonzo is hindering the installation of communication masts in some rural areas in the district.
Nana Boakye made the allegations at the Ghana Journalists Association’s Western Regional Chapter Manifesto project in Aiyinase in the Ellembelle District. The event, themed “Harnessing Digital Journalism for Informed Political Dialogue and Manifesto Scrutiny,” seeks to Empower journalists and promote critical analysis of political manifestos
This initiative aims to foster informed public discourse and hold political leaders accountable for their campaign promises.
“NPP supporters are advocating for development in our constituency, courtesy of our Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, which is a great thing”.
“However, I’m urging them to tell District Chief Executive Kwasi Bonzo to stop sabotaging the MP’s contracts. I’m saying this because MP Buah initiated efforts to bring network connectivity to Adzisowaso, but Kwasi Bonzo instructed the contractor and company to halt the project”. He alleged.
John Kofi Boateng, in an exclusive interview, has categorically denied allegations that Ellembelle District Chief Executive Kwasi Bonzo hindered the installation of communication masts in rural areas.
Instead, Boateng commended Bonzo for seeking assistance from the Communications Minister roughly a month ago, highlighting GIFEC’s dedication to enhancing communication infrastructure. This revelation contradicts claims that Member of Parliament Armah Buah initiated the project.
“Regarding network connectivity in Adzisowaso, GIFEC had already installed network masts in the area, but they were not functioning. However, it was Kwasi Bonzo who approached the Ministry of Communications, specifically meeting with Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, to highlight the lack of network access in some communities within his area”.
“Thanks to the rural telephony initiative, 1,600 network connections have been completed and are operational, with an additional 1,010 connections in progress”.
“Kwasi Bonzo’s efforts prompted the Minister to direct the deployment of materials for installation. I’d like to set the record straight – contrary to rumors circulating among NDC supporters, it was Kwasi Bonzo who initiated this process, not the current Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah. In fact, Kwasi Bonzo was the one who reached out for network connections, and the community is now ready to utilize them”. John Boateng explained.
Excitement is building in the Ellembelle constituency as the December 7, 2024, general elections approach. The highly anticipated contest pits Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah, a four-time Member of Parliament and former Minister for Energy and Petroleum representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), against Kwasi Bonzo, a two-term District Chief Executive and four-time contestant for the seat representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The rivalry between these two candidates has been intense, with a recent incident highlighting their deep-seated differences. A near fight broke out between Armah-Kofi Buah and Bonzo over a deplorable road in the area, showcasing the tension between them. The MP had tasked a group to fill the potholes, but the DCE stopped them, claiming the road was under contract and work was ongoing.
As the elections draw near, the constituents of Ellembelle are eager to cast their votes and choose their next leader. The competition is expected to be fierce, with both candidates boasting impressive track records.
Armah-Kofi Buah brings his experience as a former Minister for Energy and Petroleum, while Bonzo leverages his expertise as a two-term District Chief Executive.
The stage is set for a thrilling contest in Ellembelle. Who will emerge victorious on December 7?.
By Ebenezer Atiemo
