Johnson Ayine criticises gov’t over non-prioritisation of Upper East in the ‘Big Push’ initiative
Ayine questioned the current status of the “Big Push” programme as outlined by President John Dramani Mahama during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
A member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Upper East Regional Communications Team, Johnson Ayine, has criticised government for what he describes as the failure to prioritise the Upper East Region under its “Big Push” infrastructure initiative.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Monday, March 2, Ayine questioned the current status of the “Big Push” programme as outlined by President John Dramani Mahama during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
According to him, the Upper East Region has not benefitted from any major road project under the initiative, aside from the ongoing Navrongo, Tumu inter-regional road project.
“He spoke about the Big Push in the last SONA. What is its status now?” Ayine asked.
“The whole of Upper East is not benefitting from a single road infrastructure under the Big Push, apart from the Navrongo-Tumu road which connects two regions.”
He attributed what he termed the region’s neglect to the alleged inaction of Members of Parliament from the area.
“Our 15 MPs who campaigned on ‘Agenda 15, 15’ should rise up, approach the Roads Minister and demand our inclusion, just as it happened under the previous administration.”
“When the Volta Region was left out at a point, their MPs stood up and fought for their region and secured their share.” He said.
Ayine further argued that a more inclusive road project, such as a stretch linking Bolgatanga Technical University through Zorko and Sirigu to Manyoro and Paga, would have benefitted several districts and significantly improved connectivity within the region.
His comments add to the growing political debate over the scope and regional distribution of projects under the government’s flagship infrastructure programme.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
