Politics of Friday, 21 February 2020

Source: Senyalah Castro, Contributor

Nothing will stop construction of Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam - MP

Joseph Dindiok Kpemka MP for Tempane Joseph Dindiok Kpemka MP for Tempane

Ghana’s Deputy Attorney General and Member of Parliament (MP) for Tempane, Joseph Dindiok Kpemka, says government’s commitment to the construction of the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam is unwavering in the face of stiff opposition from the Minority in Parliament of Ghana.

He said much as MPs from the opposition party are kicking against the establishment of the dam over what they term as inflation of cost, government is resolute and will approve the loan agreement to execute the project for the benefit of Ghanaians.

Speaking on the sideline in an interview with Journalists Monday after filing his nomination to retain his seat in the Tempane constituency, Lawyer Kpemka assured that Parliament of Ghana will diligently debate the matter and do everything possible to ensure the full realization of the project.

He said unlike the National Democratic Congress (NDC) which had the opportunity to execute the project but failed, the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government under the able leadership of President Nana Adda Dankwa Akufo-Addo was going to construct and complete it for the people of the five regions of the North.

The astute lawyer advised the Minority in Parliament of Ghana, especially those from the Northern part of the country, to stop playing the political card and give the project the massive support it deserves since its construction will be a feat for all Northerners and not only the NPP government.

“I have said in the media front that we should go beyond politics and parochial interests. Somebody may be thinking that if this is actually executed the credit will go to the government it will affect the fortunes of the opposition but so be it. They had the opportunity for eight years but they didn’t do it. If this government has taught it wise to secure funding for it, we should support it. And I know the Minority will not dare vote against it because the majority of the minority are from the North and it is to their benefit”.

Lawyer Kpemka, however, added that if the Minority has concerns about the details of the agreement or have evidence to the contrary, they can as a house with the powers given them invite the experts who have come up with the project figures for an explanation.

“if the minority is raising concerns, the principal point is that government has presented this based on the advice of engineers and other technical persons. It is not something that came out of someone’s whims and caprices or someone’s perception, idea or interest. Professionals were engaged to put it together. So you don’t question the government’s projections with respect to this. If you have any evidence to the contrary, you can adduce it. We are a house. But I can assure you that nothing will stop the construction of the Pwalugu multipurpose dam. Nothing will stop it apart from the Almighty God and I know he will bless it,” He prayed.

Filing his Nomination

On the submission of nomination forms, Lawyer Kpemka who was accompanied by a mammoth crowd and laud music through the principal streets of the area has promised to create more job opportunities for the people, especially the youth.

He said government will continue to do more for the people in the area of roads, education, security and agriculture to make their lives better.

On education, the MP said government has demonstrated its committed to improve education in the area with the construction of three dormitories and a 12-unit classroom block at the Tempane Senior High School. He added that government was also constructing an assembly complex for the district.

Mr. Kpemka disclosed that work was currently ongoing to connect 36 communities in the area to the national grid under the rural electrification programme. He hinted the number of communities would soon be increased.

Lawyer Kpemka thanked the people for their sense of unity and urged them to maintain the peace and serenity of the area to attract more development. He urged the people to strengthen their faith in the NPP government and give him and President Nana Akufo-Addo four more years to bring more development. Anabida Issaka, the constituency secretary received his forms on behalf of the constituency chairman.