By Prince Acquah/ Isaac Arkoh
Komenda (C/R), Jan 06, GNA – Residents of Komenda, the hometown of Ghana’s first ever female Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, are expecting massive transformation in the community following her historic accomplishment.
A palpable aura of pride, joy, and gratification envelopes the ancient town as one of their own ascends to the high office of the Vice President on Tuesday, January 07, 2025, a watershed moment in Ghana’s political history, especially for women.
A feeling of neglect and a state of underdevelopment for decades fuel their thirst and anticipation for change and the Professor’s reputation of visiting home often and supporting her people is a major source of hope for them.
Bad roads and the lack of employment opportunities are still their major bane, as the Ghana News Agency (GNA) gleaned on a visit to the town.
The journey to Komenda saw the major road leading to the town graded, but with no visible signs of immediate continuation.
Thick dust covers the road completely with the passing of every car, posing severe health risks and increasing the risks of accidents.
The comatose Komenda Sugar Factory which was supposed to improve the unemployment situation and boost the local economy is under lock and key, gasping helplessly for breath.
The residents say they have a saviour in the Professor, and they believed the time for a new Komenda had come.
At her family house, some visibly elated family members of the Vice President spoke highly of her love for humanity, extolling her for her affability and generosity.
Auntie Yaaya, a niece of Prof Opoku-Agyemang, attested to her unchanging humility, love for peace and generosity, and expressed gratitude to God blessing the family with the Professor.
Mr Kwame Anawe, a brother to the Vice President, praised her for visiting home often and supporting the family and the community wholeheartedly.
“We thank President Mahama for honouring our sister and making her the running mate even when many people were against the idea.
“The entire family feels honoured and now I am able to brag about having such a great person in my family,” he said.
“She loves her family. Everybody gets excited when we hear she is coming home because we know she will not leave us empty handed,” Madam Mercy Nketsiah, a sister to Prof Opoku-Agyemang, said.
She was confident that with her empathy as a woman, things will become easy for every citizen.
Some residents showed their excitement to the GNA but also made clear their challenges for which reason they poured out to vote for the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Komenda Oman Okyeame, Panyin Kofi Essuon, noted that the revival of the Komenda Sugar Factory was the utmost priority of the community and thus, made a fervent appeal to Vice President Professor Opoku-Agyemang to resurrect it.
He also lamented the poor nature of the town roads and called on the new government to fix them, banking on the influence of the Vice President.
“We also need them to reduce the prices of fuel to alleviate the burden on our fishers, he said.
Mr Ezekiel Annan, a leader at the Komenda Market, who eulogised Prof Opoku-Agyemang for her dedication and commitment to work, reiterated the urgent need to bring the Komenda Sugar Factory back to life.
He appealed to the new government to fulfil the promise to set up a women’s bank as most of the market were convinced by that promise.
He also called for the abolition of some “obnoxious taxes” such as the E-levy and Covid-19 tax.
Madam Theodora Amonoo, a bofrot (Ghanaian doughnut) seller, was hopeful that the operation of the sugar factory would boost her business.
Madam Judith Biney, a trader at the Komenda Market, praised Prof Opoku-Agyemang for being supportive to the town both in and out of government, pointing to her works in some schools and at the Komenda night market.
However, she stressed that the promise to set up a women’s bank pushed the traders to vote in their numbers and therefore, reminded the Vice President to help the materialisation of the pledge.
GNA