The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has asserted that the party and its Presidential Candidate, John Dramani Mahama remain the true hope for the people of the Volta Region.

The region has been its stronghold since the inception of the Fourth Republic in 1992.

The opposition party said that Mr. Mahama’s track record in the region exhibits his affection and commitment to the development and well-being of the people of the region.

The Volta Regional NDC chairman, Mawutor Agbavitor said this when he was addressing a presser in Ho in response to certain comments by the New Patriotic Party’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia.

“Let me reiterate that H.E. John Dramani Mahama and our cherished NDC remain the true hope for the Volta Region and its people. His track record speaks for itself, and his dedication to transforming our region is unwavering. Only under his leadership can we achieve the development and progress we so richly deserve.

"He certainly is the most capable hand that can reset this country and redirect it onto the path of progress and development”, he said.

Mr. Agbavitor noted that unlike Dr. Bawumia, Mr. Mahama had a well-tailored vision to transform the Volta Region when elected President again on December 7th, 2024.

He outlined revitalising the Juapong Textiles Factory, establishing satellite campuses for the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Keta and Battor, constructing the Keta-Denu-Ho road, completing the Eastern Corridor roads, increasing water supply, constructing a military hospital, a quaternary hospital, and a modern market in Aflao as projects to be undertaken by the next NDC government.

“These certainly are not empty promises but practical projects specifically aimed at improving the lives of the people in the Volta Region”, he said.

He described Dr. Bawumia’s promise to construct a sea defense wall along the coast in the Ketu South Constituency as vague, explaining that “this very sea defense project was initiated under President Mahama’s administration but was callously abandoned by the current NPP government shortly after they took office.”

“Alhaji Bawumia’s indifference to the plight of tidal wave victims is evident; he has never shown up to offer comfort to those affected. Instead, he chose to prioritise meetings with party delegates over the victims of a natural disaster - a clear testament to his lack of empathy for the people of Volta Region”, he further said.

Mr. Agbavitor questioned Dr. Bawumis’s promise of reviving the Juapong Textile Factory, describing it as an empty promise because it cannot be found in the NPP 2024 manifesto.

“Clearly, this promise, like many that were made by Alhaji Bawumia, was not backed by any strong evidence of commitment”, he said.

He also expressed concern about Dr. Bawumia not commenting about the victims of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams flooding incident who are yet to be resettled and compensated.

He also ridiculed the promise by Dr. Bawumia to construct the Ho-Tokor road which he said was contained in the 2019 budget titled “The Year of Roads” but not executed.

“Let me quickly remind you that this road is on record to be awarded to AMANDI CONSTRUCTION in 2016 by the erstwhile Mahama administration pending the completion of the Ho Airport. The NPP government came to office and pretended that there was no such contract and left the road to deteriorate to the current unmotorable nature we find it”, he said.

He also asserted that crowds at Dr. Bawumia’s rallies and meetings in all the 18 constituencies he visited were not organic, largely fabricated, adding that people were enticed by the promise of food and money and bussed to rally grounds.

Mr. Agbavitor also raised concerns about some chiefs and clergymen endorsing Dr. Bawumia and heaping praises on him for his digitisation agenda and leading the introduction and implementation of 33 policies during his eight years as Vice President of Ghana.

“We also saw selective praise from certain chiefs during Alhaji Bawumia's tour. But let us be clear: these obviously are isolated voices and are not reflective of the collective views of the people of the Volta Region”, he said.

“The Muslim communities were not left out of the deceptive politic of the NPP Flagbearer. Alhaji Bawumia promised to build a Mosque for the Muslims in Ketu South some years ago without any action on the ground up till date. How can the people trust you when you now come telling them you will provide them with solar-powered outboard motor?”, he quizzed.