The Upper East Regional Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, has launched his bid to contest the slot of Member of Parliament (MP) for the Bongo Constituency in next year's general election. The entry of Mr Akamugri into the race brings to four the number of persons who have so far expressed interest in the seat, including the incumbent, Mr Albert Abongo. The other two persons in the race, according to the constituency secretary, Mr Paul Agambire, are Mr Charles Bawa Dua and Mr Edward A. Bawa. Launching his campaign at Bongo, Mr Akamugri, who is also the regional coordinator of the School Feeding Programme, said he was hopeful that his dedication and hard work at the constituency and regional levels put him ahead of his contenders in the race for the seat. In 1998, Mr Akamugri rose to the position of Regional Secretary and has since retained the position and prior to that he served as the Bongo Constituency Youth Organiser. Addressing members of the party at Bongo, Mr Akamugri said with the experience garnered in his political carrier coupled with the strong commitment to the party he was better placed to succeed the current MP and continue with the development agenda of the area. “I, like many people in this constituency, believe that the current MP, who has served three terms in parliament already, has done his part in contributing to the development of Bongo. By the tenets of the principles of democracy well cherished in the NDC, it is time for change and renewal”, he said. “It is time to bring on board new ideas and new ways of doing things. It is time to explore new avenues for this constituency's development. It is time to hand leadership of this constituency to a fresh hand to take us even further. It is time to offer myself for this new beginning we are asking for”, he added. According to Akamugri, the district faced many development challenges, including poor road network that leaves most communities cut off from others, insufficient market centres, inadequate health and educational facilities as well as limited access to water and sanitation facilities, stressing that when given the nod he would explore new ways of providing such social amenities for the people. “I am committed to that model of development where an MP does not give his people stipends to survive, but rather seeks ways to empower them to create great sources of income for their own care and well being”, he said.