NDC will complete abandoned cocoa roads — Mahama

The flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has assured cocoa farmers and persons living in cocoa-growing areas of the party's commitment to complete all abandoned cocoa roads started by the previous NDC government. 

He said the next NDC government would prioritise the completion of those roads as part of a grand strategy to revive the country's ailing cocoa industry.

The rehabilitation of existing roads in a deplorable state and the completion of abandoned roads, according to the former President, will bring much-needed relief to persons living in cocoa-growing areas and help rekindle the enthusiasm of farmers in the industry.

National cake

The former President was addressing a community gathering on Tuesday at Amoma in the Kintampo South Constituency as part of his four-day campaign tour of the Bono East Region.

He said all farming communities in the country deserved a share of the country’s resources and the next NDC government would ensure that the national cake was equitably shared.

“I remember that we started the construction of these roads in Amoma when we were in government but another government came and said you don’t grow cocoa here so they stopped the construction but you also grow cashew which is a cash crop so if we are constructing roads under the cocoa roads project, we must extend it to you,” Mr Mahama said.

Road projects  

Mr Mahama also pledged to continue with all road projects started by the present administration and would not cancel any road construction contract awarded.

Mr Mahama explained that upon assuming office in 2017, the NPP government halted the construction of roads awarded under the cocoa roads project, claiming it was auditing the contracts.

However, he said after almost eight years of auditing, no adverse findings had been made against any past government official under the contracts awarded, although the construction of the roads had stalled.

Tour

Former President Mahama began his tour of the region on Monday with a flurry of engagements with local communities, traders and supporters.

Mr Mahama's first stop was the Babotokuma Market in Kintampo North, where he interacted with traders and listened to their concerns.

Next, he addressed a mini rally at the Kintampo Presby Park, energising the crowd with his vision for change.

The former President then headed to Dromankese in Nkoranza North for a community engagement session, followed by similar interactions at Krankah DA Park and Offuman Queenmother's Palace.

Mr Mahama wrapped up the day with a visit to Aworawa RC School Park in Techiman North, where he met with community members and reiterated his commitment to driving positive change in Ghana.

Throughout the tour, Mr Mahama emphasised the need for collective action to address the country's challenges.