The Volta regional branch of the opposition New Patriotic Party has made a strong accusation against the John Mahama-led NDC government of deliberately stifling the businesses of some individuals from the region.

According to the party, the government has resorted to crippling business initiatives of individuals, such us business magnate and traditional ruler, Togbe Afede XIV, who are critics of the “incompetent” NDC administration.

Addressing the press at the NPP regional secretariat in Ho on Saturday, the Volta Regional chairman of the party, John Peter Amewu claimed among other things that, government was thwarting a proposed Coastal / Beach Development Project, an initiative by Togbe Afede to develop the coastline of Accra into a world class tourism hub.

Similarly, the NPP claims government has again hijacked another initiative by Togbe through his Sunon-Asogli Power Ltd to construct a 1000 megawatt coal power plant to argument the country’s energy sources.

"It will shock you to note that Togbe Afede who is one of the finest and hardworking Ghanaian entrepreneurs has become a target of Mahama led NDC administration as a result of his constant crusade for good governance and incorruptible leadership.

"For instance this is no more a hidden secret that Togbe’s Coastal / Beach Development Project which has been given a blessing by the Ga Chiefs and gone to cabinet several times for discussion had been shot down by President Mahama and his cronies. Why should Mahama and his cronies continue to kill business initiatives of voltarians? Volta region has suffered prolonged lack of entrepreneurship development and mentoring of businessmen for far too long.

“Again, a wonderful idea by Togbe Afede to introduce 1000 megawatt of coal as proportion of our energy mix has been hijacked by the NDC government," the NPP regional chief alleges.

Togbe Afede is an accomplished business mogul and chairman of several companies including, SAS Finance Group Ltd & SAS Investment Mgt Ltd, Sunon-Asogli Power Ltd, African World Airline, among others,” the statement read in part.

Below is the full statement read by the Volta NPP chairman.

NDC’S HEGEMONY KILLS INDIVIDUAL ENTERPRENUERAL INITIATIVES IN THE VOLTA REGION

Ladies and Gentlemen, all media personnel we thank you for your presence here this afternoon. We are happy that you have honored our invitation.

The purpose of inviting you here is to condemn in no uncertain terms the NDC’s government agenda to continuously cripple and kill independent entrepreneurial achievement and endeavors especially amongst Voltarians and to also congratulate chiefs and elders of Asogli state who, despite all the economic hardship managed to celebrate a colorful and memorable successful Festival.

Instead of the NDC government supporting and embracing the good works of Asogli State, and the people of Ghana, the government is rather undermining the progressive effort of its citizens. It is only Mahama’s NDC government that continues to sabotage and hijack businesses from potential entrepreneurs. In this 21st century where government all over the world are expected to project and support the private sector as the engine of growth, in Ghana we are rather witnessing government’s aggressive efforts at collapsing businesses of the private sector.

Distinguish Ladies and gentlemen, it will shock you to note that Togbe Afede who is one of the finest and hardworking Ghanaian entrepreneurs has become a target of Mahama led NDC administration as a result of his constant crusade for good governance and incorruptible leadership. For instance this is no more a hidden secret that Togbe’s Coastal / Beach Development Project which has been given a blessing by the Ga Chiefs and gone to cabinet several times for discussion had been shot down by President Mahama and his cronies. Why should Mahama and his cronies continue to kill business initiatives of voltarians? Volta region has suffered prolonged lack of entrepreneurship development and mentoring of businessmen for far too long. Again, a wonderful idea by Togbe Afede to introduce 1000 megawatt of coal as proportion of our energy mix has been hijacked by the NDC government. The reason for the introduction of the coal as an alternative and cheaper source of energy is to reduce the suffering of Ghanaians from paying high energy bills. How can this government continue to stifle private sector initiatives and still have the moral ground to talk about creating jobs? It is unbelievable to note that for over five months now the Asogli power plant has been idle due to lack of security of supply of gas from Nigeria and government failure and inability to make payment due Asogli . However government finds it more expedient to advance payments to KAR power project, a foreign initiative at a rather higher rate. Where are the 25 NDC MPs who belong to the ruling government? We believe that they have also contributed to the collapse of these initiatives and lack of development in the region due to their ineptitude.

No wonder the Paramount and Divisional Chiefs in Kpenoe, Takla and Hodzo which are communities within Ho Municipality have come out condemning Government and the MPs that the 18km distance road connecting three communities within the municipality has been awarded to a contractor but has not seen any serious work being carried out. The chiefs and the elders are of the view that, the Government is playing political gimmicks with them. Not long ago the chiefs from the Anlo states also complained about the high rate of unemployment among their teaming youth and lack of development projects in their area escalating to high poverty rate.

We of the NPP still maintain that the private sector constitute the engine of growth and the avenue for the creation of jobs for our teaming youth. Any attempt therefore by any government to cripple private sector initiative should be a worry and concern to all well-meaning Ghanaians.

Furthermore, the recent accusation by NDC that the Volta Regional Chairman is bribing the chiefs and elders of the region to malign NDC is a complete disrespect and act of belittlement to the chiefs and people of the region. Ladies and gentlemen of the media, is the NDC telling Ghanaians that our able and respectable chiefs of the region cannot think for themselves?

This concocted story is not surprising since this action reflect the typical behavior of their boss a master custodian of incompetence. It’s not therefore surprising that the chiefs and elders of the communities have come out to ban political activities. This new development is an indication of failure on the part of government and the members of Parliament. No wonder we are described as the World Bank and Voters Region. It is on this note that I call on all the chiefs, queen mothers and elders to reject the Mahama led administration come December 7,

It is surprising to note that of the 25 MPs from the Volta region who have been elected on the ticket of the NDC, regrettably have not contributed to siting a single industry or an effort to initiate the commencement of any industry to curb the alarming unemployment rate in the region. These NDC MPs knowing well they have underperformed, they resort to telling lies to the chiefs and people of the region of that the region has gotten its equal share of development.

We all know that the NDC government have lost touch with the people of Volta and have a very terrible developmental record in the region. As a Voltarian I will take pride in the success and achievement of Volta region if there is anything to show.

Ladies and gentlemen of the media, as we ecstatically creep towards the 7 December, the 2016 General Election, it is becoming increasingly apparent to Ghanaians that the NDC is not in touch with the people and has already lost the election. In fact, they may not even win many of their strong holds, even in Volta Region their current saving grace, as you know we are now gaining good grounds and we are very optimistic that our target of Agenda 3:30 will be achieved. More importantly, the atmosphere in Ho is very encouraging and promising, which is a very good sign of the success of Nana Addo’s visit in May. It is Nana Addo’s wish to renew the personal relationship between the New Patriotic Party and the Volta Region.

Ladies and Gentlemen, to those Voltatarians who are not NPP sympathizers if you have a passion for positive economic, social and political change, come and join NPP. Together we can achieve a strong Volta and independent Ghana. In view of this, I am therefore recounting on the pledged by Nana Akufo-Addo that a mini-harbour will be constructed in Keta to serve the people and the fishermen. Also, he will banned the pair trawling to maximise the harvest of traditional fishing methods when he becomes President. It is Nana Addo’s priority to establish an Industrial Zone in the Ketu North and Ketu South constituencies, which forms the eastern borders of our country. This will facilitate the export of industrial products from Ghana to our eastern neighbours – Togo, Benin and Nigeria. Nana Addo will restore confidence in the private sectors and support such private sector initiatives aimed at bringing economic growth and employment opportunities to Ghanaians. With NPP, Ghana will work again, a society that will benefit all Ghanaians.

We also use this opportunity to thank media personals present. We are very grateful for all your efforts. We surely would continue to count on you and your support in the future.

God bless the people of the Volta. God bless you all!!

Thank you.