Residents of old Buipe, located in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region, are raising concerns about the deteriorating condition of their roads.
On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, residents took to the streets to protest the long-standing neglect of the area in terms of social amenities, most particularly the bad nature of the road, which has led to multiple accidents and a surge in robbery cases in the town.
According to the protestors, despite repeated appeals to the District Chief Executive (DCE) Salia Iddrisu for assistance, no action has been taken, making the main road further deteriorate serving as a hotspot for criminal activities.
“We have approached the DCE several times, but our pleas have fallen on deaf ears. The situation has only worsened, with no solutions in sight,” Mohammed Tanko lamented.
A key point of contention is the unfinished bridge in the area that was started years ago but remains incomplete. The lack of progress has left the residents in a state of frustration, with no explanation from local authorities about why the project has stalled.
Mohammed Tanko the secretary of the youth said “The bridge at Boachipe has been abandoned for years, and we still don’t know why the work hasn’t resumed. People here are suffering”.
The demonstrators emphasized that their actions were not driven by politics but by a desire for safety and a better quality of life.
“This is not about political parties. It’s about our lives. Without life, there is no vote. We need to protect our lives first, then we can talk about voting”.
They also accused the District Chief Executive (DCE) Salia Iddrisu of politicizing the issue, suggesting that development is being withheld from their electoral area because they did not vote for the ruling party.
“The DCE says that because we didn’t vote for them, we can’t expect any development. But this is not about who we vote for – it’s about basic human rights,” said Ibrahim a community leader.
In addition to road safety, the residents are also demanding essential social amenities such as water, a functional clinic, a school, and proper sanitation facilities.
“Our school’s roof is gone, the clinic is in disrepair, and we don’t even have access to clean water. When we approached the DCE, he told us to fix it ourselves. But why do we pay taxes if we have to do everything ourselves?”
The protesters pointed out that their electoral area contributes significantly to the local economy, especially through charcoal revenue, yet they see no return on their contributions.
“About 95 per cent of the charcoal revenue comes from our area. Why should we be treated like this?” Ibrahim asked.
District Coordinating Director of the Central Gonja Assembly, Ali Bawa who received the petition on behalf of the Chief Executive, while assuring them of getting the petition to the rightful authority, commended the protestors for a peaceful demonstration.
“Your demand for development is justified, and I assure you that the petition will be given the necessary attention.”
Adding that the assembly will respond to their leadership soon with updates on the way forward.
Source: 3news.com
