By Kamal Ahmed
Odumase-Krobo (E/R), Nov 27, GNA – The National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has hosted a parliamentary dialogue for prospective candidates in Odumase-Krobo in the Lower Manya Constituency to present their programmes and proposals to the electorates.
The debate, which was organised in collaboration with the Inter-Party Dialogue Committee (IPDC), allowed the two major political party candidates, Mr. Simon Kweku Tetteh of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the incumbent, Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to outline their development plans for the constituency.
Though, Mr. Terlabi, the incumbent MP was not present for the debate, the moderators noted his significant impact on topics such as education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and employment.
However, Mr. Tetteh of the NPP, while outlining his vision for the constituency, claimed that in terms of education, he had facilitated the construction of dormitories, classroom blocks, and educational offices.
He said that if elected, he would establish a scholarship scheme for brilliant but needy students in the area, an award scheme for teachers and educational units, and ensure annual distribution of desks to schools.
On health, he said that he would assist in transforming the Atua and Akuse government hospitals into state-of-the-art facilities to enhance the provision of healthcare.
He promised to support nursing students, and the yearly renewal of the health insurance cards, offer free health screenings every year, and construct a hostel to house caregivers.
According to him, he would work with the Ministry of Roads and Highways to tar most of the roads in the municipality and employ DRIP equipment to enhance feeder roads.
On employment, he stated that he would seek out jobs for graduates in government and private agencies, as well as support those who want to pursue apprenticeship programmes such as welding, mechanics, and hairdressing, and provide them with startup funds and tools.
Mr. Tetteh also promised to promote mechanised farming in the area as a way of drawing the youth into agriculture lessen poverty in the area.
He pledged to uphold and maintain peace before, during, and after the December elections.
Mr. Livingstone Ansah, NCCE Director for Lower Manya Krobo Municipal, said the debate was to give the parliamentary candidates a chance to present their plans for the constituency.
He urged Ghanaians to be politically and religious tolerant, saying “Everyone has a duty to defend our democracy and constitution in order to promote progress and development.”
He advised all candidates to run their campaigns devoid of derogatory language and name calling to guarantee peace before, during, and after the December 7 elections.
GNA