The Minister of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, Martin Agyei Mensah Korsah, has justified the government’s borrowing, asserting that the funds have been used judiciously to undertake numerous developmental projects aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.
Speaking to Citi News during the inauguration of 188 lockable stores under the Secondary Cities Support Programme at Agormanya in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region, the minister emphasized the positive impact of these projects.
Mensah Korsah called on the people of the Krobo area to recognize the government’s efforts and to consider renewing the mandate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the upcoming December 7 elections. He highlighted that the inaugurated shops were part of a broader initiative supported by borrowed funds, showcasing the government’s commitment to meeting the needs of communities across the country.
“The many projects that the government is undertaking out of borrowed funds, these plus others, here in Krobo-Odumasi is one of them. We have seen 188 lockable shops. There was a recent commissioning of a business centre by the vice president and about eight roads are being built, and all of this goes to part of what the government has taken out of these borrowed funds to come and do in its collaboration with the World Bank,” he stated.
The minister pointed out that these projects are tangible examples of how borrowed monies from development partners are being utilized effectively. He stressed the importance of acknowledging the government’s achievements and urged communities to support its efforts by renewing the NPP’s mandate.
Mensah Korsah also noted that the government has been responsive to the needs of the people, prioritizing projects that directly benefit communities. He described the scale of developmental activities as unprecedented and emphasized the government’s determination to continue delivering impactful initiatives.
“The government seems to be prioritising the needs of people. Of the monumental things that have happened in record time, it is unseen and unprecedented, and they keep the hope that they will get some more. I was told that the community is yearning for a tomato factory,” he added.
He encouraged the people of Krobo to view these developments as evidence of a listening and responsive government. According to the minister, the establishment of projects like the lockable stores and the ongoing construction of roads reflect the administration’s dedication to addressing the pressing needs of various communities.
“If the government has their needs as a priority, then it is important they respond by showing appreciation to the government, which has proven to be a listening government attending to their needs. Government should be encouraged to do the wonderful things that it is doing by ensuring that their mandate is renewed,” he remarked.
The Secondary Cities Support Programme, under which the lockable stores were inaugurated, is part of a collaborative effort between the government and the World Bank to promote development in key urban areas. The initiative aims to enhance economic opportunities and improve infrastructure in secondary cities across the country.
In addition to the newly inaugurated shops, the minister referenced other significant projects within the region, such as the recent commissioning of a business centre by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the construction of eight roads. These developments, he explained, are part of a broader strategy to boost local economies and create sustainable livelihoods for residents.
The call for a tomato factory in the community underscores the need for further industrialization and value addition in the agricultural sector. Mensah Korsah acknowledged this request and assured the community of the government’s commitment to addressing such demands.
The minister’s appeal comes at a time when the government’s borrowing practices have been a subject of debate, with critics questioning the sustainability of the nation’s debt levels. However, Mensah Korsah argued that the visible impact of the projects funded by these loans demonstrates their necessity and value.
Supporters of the government have echoed his sentiments, emphasizing that the completed projects are evidence of the administration’s commitment to development. They contend that the strategic use of borrowed funds has enabled the government to address critical infrastructure gaps and improve living standards in various parts of the country.
As the December 7 elections approach, the NPP is banking on its track record of development to secure another term in office. The party’s leadership has been highlighting completed and ongoing projects as proof of its competence and ability to deliver on its promises.
The Krobo community’s response to these developments will play a significant role in determining the outcome of the elections in the region. While the minister’s call for appreciation and support resonates with some residents, others remain cautious, seeking further assurances of sustained development and economic stability.
In the coming weeks, the focus will remain on how the government continues to address the needs of communities like Krobo and how these efforts influence voter decisions. For now, the completion of projects like the 188 lockable stores and the promise of additional initiatives reflect the administration’s commitment to using borrowed funds to drive development and improve the lives of Ghanaians.
