In Ghana’s Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency, a deepening sense of frustration is emerging among residents who feel neglected by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government over the abandonment of key infrastructure projects and the controversial demolition of community structures. Many in the constituency are vocalizing their concerns, pointing to uncompleted education facilities and lost community assets, and are calling for immediate action to address these pressing issues.
A major issue that has sparked concern is the incomplete E-block school buildings, part of an ambitious educational expansion initiative introduced by former President John Mahama. This initiative was aimed at expanding secondary education infrastructure to accommodate Ghana’s growing youth population, particularly after the launch of the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy. The E-blocks, which are multi-story school buildings, were designed to support the rising demand for classroom spaces and reduce overcrowding. However, many of these E-block projects in Ayawaso West Wuogon have been left unfinished since Mahama’s administration ended, leading to mounting frustration among residents who believe these buildings are vital to solving current educational challenges.
One of the most contentious consequences of the uncompleted E-blocks is the continuation of the double-track system in some schools, an approach intended to address overcrowding by dividing the academic year into two alternating terms. While the double-track system allows more students to attend school by alternating attendance schedules, it has faced criticism for disrupting educational continuity and adding pressure to an already stretched system. Many believe that if the E-blocks were completed, it would alleviate the need for double-track scheduling, providing a consistent learning environment for students and enhancing the overall quality of education.
A resident interviewed by *Campaign Trail* expressed her frustration over what she perceives as a lack of commitment from the NPP to complete these educational projects. She argued that the unfinished school buildings hinder educational progress and place unnecessary burdens on families and students. “Mahama built schools under his administration. If they had commissioned most of the schools, it would have eliminated the double-track system, which is not helping our children in schools,” she shared. According to her, completing these schools would not only address overcrowding but also provide essential support for the Free SHS policy, ensuring that all students have access to education without the need for rotating schedules.
The double-track system has been widely criticized by parents and education advocates alike, who feel that it disrupts the learning experience and limits students’ time in the classroom. The resident’s concerns reflect broader sentiments within Ayawaso West Wuogon and other areas facing similar challenges. To these constituents, the failure to complete educational infrastructure represents a significant gap in the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality education.
Beyond education, residents in Ayawaso West Wuogon have also voiced dissatisfaction over the demolition of longstanding buildings and community structures under the NPP’s urban development initiatives. While urban renewal efforts are generally welcomed by communities aiming to modernize and improve infrastructure, many in the constituency argue that the demolitions have adversely affected the social and economic fabric of their community. Some residents feel that these actions were taken without adequate consideration of the impact on their livelihoods and the resources available to rebuild.
One resident highlighted the stark difference between the approaches of the NPP and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) when it comes to community development, expressing hope that an NDC-led government would prioritize rebuilding and enhancing the area’s infrastructure. “When the NPP came, they came to demolish all our structures. They made things difficult for us, but that doesn’t seem to be the case under the NDC. I’m hopeful that when they [NDC] come to power, they will help build and develop the place,” she remarked. Her words echo a sentiment shared by many in the area who feel that the demolitions have brought more harm than benefit, creating a sense of loss and alienation among those who depend on these community assets.
For many residents, these demolitions have not only affected their daily lives but also represent a lack of consideration for the history and identity of their community. These structures, they argue, are more than just buildings; they hold cultural and social significance that binds the community together. The demolitions have, in their view, severed this connection, leaving residents feeling overlooked and marginalized in the push for urban development.
This growing dissatisfaction in Ayawaso West Wuogon underscores the importance of inclusive development strategies that take into account the needs and voices of local communities. As the country prepares for the upcoming elections, the concerns of residents in the constituency serve as a reminder to policymakers of the need to balance modernization efforts with the preservation of community identity and heritage. The frustrations voiced by constituents reflect a broader discontent with the government’s approach to addressing local needs, with many hoping that a change in leadership might bring a renewed focus on finishing abandoned projects and rebuilding demolished structures.
The NPP’s track record in the constituency, particularly in education and urban development, will likely be a focal point in the upcoming elections as residents look for leaders who are committed to tangible improvements in their daily lives. For Ayawaso West Wuogon, these unresolved issues have fueled calls for change, with constituents hoping for a government that will prioritize community-oriented development and complete the vital infrastructure projects that have been left unfinished.
As Ghana heads into a critical election season, Ayawaso West Wuogon’s residents are raising their voices in favor of leaders who will champion their needs, especially in areas as fundamental as education and community infrastructure. The concerns over the stalled E-blocks and the contentious demolitions speak to a constituency that feels left behind in the country’s march toward progress. Their calls for accountability and action underscore the demand for a government that will address the needs of the people, not only through new policies but by completing the projects that hold the promise of a brighter future for the entire community.
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