The Chief and people of Gbintiri in the East Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region have called on government to ensure fairness, transparency and inclusiveness in the implementation of development projects especially the 24-hour economy market initiative by allocating some markets and other infrastructure to the Gbintiri community.
The Chief announced this at press conference organised by the community leadership and jointly signed by the Chief of Gbintiri and the Gbintiri Youth Association and sighted by the Ghana News Agency.
The statement expressed concern over what it described as the exclusion of Gbintiri, a key commercial hub, from the implementation of the 24-hour economy market policy despite its strategic importance and vibrant trading activities.
It said the people of Gbintiri including chiefs, youth, women and opinion leaders had consistently contributed to the peace, stability and democratic development of the country as well as demonstrated strong political support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) over the years.
The statement said during the 2024 general election, the community gave overwhelming support to the party following assurances of inclusive governance and equitable development by the then Presidential Candidate now President John Dramani Mahama.
It, however, expressed disappointment over what it described as the gradual undermining of those expectations through the actions and inactions of some government appointees in the region.
It said Gbintiri’s exclusion from the 24-hour economy market initiative lacked justification, especially given its strategic location along key transport routes and its role as a major trading centre serving thousands of people.
It argued that siting such projects in less viable locations while ignoring established economic hubs undermined efficiency and raised concerns about fairness and sound economic planning.
The statement cited a lack of transparency and stakeholder consultation in decision-making processes saying traditional authorities, youth groups, women, business stakeholders and grassroots party structures were not adequately engaged.
It said “This lack of engagement weakens trust, reduces community ownership and creates a growing perception of marginalisation.”
It also raised concerns about perceived inequality in political appointments, alleging that Konkombas were being sidelined in governance structures leading to feelings of exclusion and underrepresentation.
The statement questioned the allocation of two 24-hour economy markets within the same municipality while Gbintiri was overlooked describing the decision as one that raised serious concerns about the criteria, objectivity and fairness of the process.
The statement demanded an immediate review of the siting of the 24-hour economy market initiative and the inclusion of Gbintiri as a priority location or the establishment of an additional market in the area.
It also called for the disclosure of criteria used in selecting project locations, evidence of feasibility studies, transparent stakeholder consultations, fair political appointments across ethnic groups, and equitable distribution of development opportunities.
The group urged the government to prioritise investments in infrastructure, employment, and essential services at Gbintiri and its surrounding communities.
While reaffirming their commitment to peace and lawful engagement, the group cautioned that continued neglect and exclusion could erode public trust, weaken political support and undermine long-standing relationships.
It warned that if the concerns were not addressed within a reasonable timeframe, stakeholders would pursue appropriate and lawful avenues to ensure their voices were heard.
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