In the Pusiga constituency of Ghana’s Upper East Region, tensions have escalated following a protest led by the youth wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). On December 9, 2024, youth members of the party stormed the Pusiga District Assembly, locking its gates in a dramatic act of defiance. Their protest stems from a heated dispute over the rightful ownership of a former police station that the NPP now claims as theirs. If the New Patriotic Party (NPP) fails to provide the necessary documentation to prove their claim, the youth have threatened to lock down the NPP’s office as well.
Abdul Rauf Anantiim, president of the Young Democrats in Pusiga, and Iddrisu Ayongo, a key member of the group, have led the charge against the local District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Zubeiru Abdulai. According to Anantiim, the DCE has been involved in corrupt practices, notably under a scheme referred to as “loot and share,” and has neglected his duties in managing the assembly for the past three months. The protestors believe these actions have contributed to the mismanagement of public resources, which they argue has led to the community’s stagnation.
The unrest in Pusiga follows Dr. Mahmudu Bawumia’s announcement on December 8, 2024, where he accepted his defeat to former President John Dramani Mahama in the just-concluded election, despite the Electoral Commission of Ghana not yet officially declaring the final results. This political development has further inflamed the youth’s anger, as they believe it signals a need for accountability from local government officials.
The protestors have voiced a range of serious allegations against the DCE, particularly focusing on the mismanagement of funds meant for key community projects. One of the most significant complaints is the alleged misuse of 60,000 Ghana cedis, which was allocated for the construction of a market in Pusiga. Despite the allocation, no visible progress has been made on the project in the past eight years, with not a single block laid.
Another issue raised by the youth relates to the arrival of DRIP (District Response Initiative Programme) equipment in October 2024. Anantiim and his supporters claim that the equipment, which cost over 80,000 cedis, has not been used for any work, further calling into question the DCE’s handling of public funds. With the end of the year fast approaching, the protestors demand an explanation about how the funds were spent and whether there is any plan for the equipment’s utilization.
In addition to these issues, the DCE is accused of spending over 120,000 cedis on unspecified animal purchases, which has raised more concerns about transparency and financial accountability. The protestors are adamant that the DCE should provide clear documentation and receipts to verify these expenditures.
Abdul Rauf Anantiim, speaking on behalf of the group, emphasized their determination to stop what they perceive as the mismanagement and looting of public funds. He expressed their frustration, stating, “We, the youth of Pusiga, are here to ensure that all looting in this assembly comes to a halt. The DCE has ignored assembly activities for too long, and we don’t want him to have the opportunity to cover up his actions.” Anantiim also pointed to the fact that the former DCE left behind 600,000 Ghana cedis allocated for the construction of the market, but there has been no progress for years. He demanded that the current DCE provide a detailed report on how these funds have been utilized.
The protest, while a significant display of frustration, also underscores a larger issue that many communities face in Ghana: the demand for greater transparency, accountability, and responsible leadership in local governance. The youth in Pusiga have made it clear that they are no longer willing to stand by as their leaders mismanage public resources and neglect their responsibilities. Their actions serve as a reminder to elected officials of the importance of upholding the trust of their constituents and ensuring that funds are used effectively to benefit the community.
The situation in Pusiga highlights the importance of active civic engagement and political awareness. The youth in the constituency are not only protesting against the actions of the DCE but are also advocating for a better future for their community. They believe that holding their leaders accountable is a crucial part of building a prosperous society, and they are determined to see their demands met.
As the protest continues, the eyes of the community remain fixed on the actions of the local government, with hopes that the situation will lead to meaningful changes in governance. Whether or not the NPP office will be locked remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the youth of Pusiga are sending a strong message that they will not tolerate corruption or the mismanagement of their resources.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0