The Volta Regional Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mawutor Agbavitor, has strongly refuted recent comments made by Makafui Woanya, the Volta Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Speaking at a press conference, Agbavitor labelled Woanya’s remarks as falsehoods and derogatory, intended to undermine the achievements of the NDC and its Flagbearer, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, during his recent campaign tour of the Volta Region.

NDC dismisses NPP claims as baseless

Agbavitor addressed the media to highlight the NDC’s manifesto but began by condemning the NPP Regional Chairman’s attempt to downplay Mahama’s successful campaign visit. “It is regrettable that the NPP’s Regional Chairman has resorted to distorting the facts surrounding the warm reception and overwhelming support demonstrated by the good people of the Volta Region towards H.E. John Mahama,” Agbavitor stated.

He argued that the assertions by Woanya, which claimed that Mahama was met with indifference and that the NDC had lost favour among Voltarians, were not only false but also an affront to the intelligence and loyalty of the region’s residents. According to Agbavitor, the overwhelming support shown during the tour, including endorsements from key regional figures such as Togbe Trepe Hodoh IV and Togbe Afede XIV, was evidence of the people’s confidence in the NDC.

Setting the record straight on key projects

Agbavitor provided detailed responses to specific allegations made by the NPP, particularly those related to infrastructure projects. He highlighted five key areas where he believes the NPP has misrepresented Mahama’s achievements:

Ho Airport: Contrary to claims that Mahama did nothing for the Volta Region, Agbavitor emphasized that Mahama was responsible for the construction of the Ho Airport, a major infrastructure project aimed at enhancing business opportunities in the region. He noted that the NPP’s contradictory stance on this project only served to highlight their confusion.

Keta Sea Defence Resettlement Housing Scheme: Agbavitor debunked Woanya’s assertion that Mahama failed to provide housing for victims of the Keta tidal waves. He clarified that during Mahama’s presidency, 618 housing units were built in Adzido, Kedzi, and Vodza as part of the Keta Sea Defence Project, providing homes for affected families. He also pointed out that Woanya himself had acquired assets in this area, further undermining his criticism.

Road Infrastructure: The NPP claimed that the Volta Region saw asphalted roads for the first time under President Nana Akufo-Addo. Agbavitor dismissed this as untrue, citing Mahama’s extensive road projects in Ho, Kpando, Denu, Aflao, and a 6 km overlay in Hohoe town. He argued that these roads were clear evidence of Mahama’s commitment to regional development long before the NPP’s tenure.

Naval Base in the Volta Region: Agbavitor corrected the record on the Naval Base at Nutekpor, which Woanya had attributed to the NPP. He stated that the project was conceived, initiated, and completed under Mahama’s leadership, with 240 recruits inducted in 2016, predating the NPP government.

NDC’s Vision for Ghana: In response to the NPP’s claims that the NDC has no new message, Agbavitor reiterated the NDC’s commitment to resetting and rebuilding Ghana. He outlined the NDC’s focus on job creation, quality education, healthcare, and infrastructural development, contrasting this with what he described as the NPP’s failure to address economic hardships and corruption.

Defending Mahama’s legacy and NDC’s commitment

Agbavitor did not hold back in his criticism of the NPP, characterizing their tactics as desperate attempts to discredit Mahama and the NDC. He accused the NPP of relying on falsehoods and fabrications, describing their recent manifesto as “an inverted pyramid of piffle” with no significant promises for the Volta Region.

He further defended Mahama’s reputation, calling out the NPP for attempting to tarnish the image of the former president, whom he praised for his integrity, respect, and truthfulness in politics.

Agbavitor urged Voltarians to remain steadfast in their support for the NDC, emphasizing that the region’s loyalty is rooted in the NDC’s track record of development, inclusiveness, and commitment to the welfare of the people.