The chiefs of Wenchi have called on the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) to, as a matter of urgency, treat Wenchi's development as a priority.

Nana Damoah Koasane Adusi Poku Kafabaae IV, Akyeamehene of the Wenchi Traditional Area, said the once vibrant town lacks almost everything worthy of Wenchi's status.

The chief made the call at Wenchi Nkonsia during a thank you tour by the NDC's National Chairman, Johnson Aseidu Nketia, in the Bono Region.

"Everything, including our roads are in terrible condition, requiring urgent attention".

He said the situation is such that the capacity of the Municipal Assembly cannot address it to the minimum satisfaction of the residents.

"She (Gloria Gyamfi, Wenchi Municipal Chief Executive, MCE) can't do it alone, he said, adding that "unless those of you up there in government support her. The roads are terrible, and we need your help".

He described Mr Nketia as someone they consider a "native" who understands their plight and trusts him to help and show them the way to attract support.

The Akyeamehene also appealed for employment opportunities for the teeming and capable youths within the Municipality.

"We also have hardworking and competent members of the NDC in Wenchi who can serve diligently when given the chance", he stated.

Nana Opoku Asuma IV, Nkonsiahene, on his part, extended the town's appreciation to the MCE and Member of Parliament, Seidu Haruna, for renovating Nkonsia Presbyterian Basic schools, which had its roof ripped off after a heavy downpour, affecting over 700 students.

He also acknowledged the MP and MCE for the donation of books, computers and other equipment needed for effective teaching and learning at Nkonsia.

The NDC National Chairman described the people of Wenchi and the Bono Region as very instrumental in the victory of President John Dramani Mahama and the MP retaining his seat from what used to be an NPP stronghold.

He expressed his gratitude to the people of Wenchi for voting massively for the NDC and their candidates in both the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024.

In view of the confidence of the people of Wenchi in the NDC, Mr Nketia said the party is pushing the Wenchi development agenda seriously to ensure they continue to win the seat for a very long time.

On the issue of deplorable roads connecting Wenchi to other districts and regions, Mr Nketia said the government has already awarded contracts through the Big Push initiative for the construction of the Wa to Hamile.

"To ensure speedy construction, five contractors are working on the road", he noted and further said that though the town roads are equally important, it is also critical to fix the major roads linking Districts and regions to open up the town and lift the image of the Municipality.

He assured the chiefs and people of President Mahama's commitment towards the completion of the Wenchi water project started by the previous administration.

"So we are not taking your vote for the NDC for granted because it pains the NPP as they would have wished to win the Wenchi seat and lose the others", he said and assured that the NPP can rest assured that they will never regain the seat again.

The MP, Alhaji Seidu Haruna, expressed confidence in the ability of the John Mahama-led NDC to fulfil the promises made to the people.

He noted that there are various projects, including educational, health, sanitation, and employment that are at various stages of completion.

He said the strategy is to focus on construction and timely completion of projects instead of the usual funfair in sod cutting.

Mr Nketia's two-day thank you tour of the Bono Region will take him to 11 communities in 11 districts, including Nkonsia at Wenchi, Namasa at Tain, Bonakire at Jaman North, Miremano at Jaman South and Koraso at Berekum West.

The rest are Krakrom at Dormaa West, Yawkrom at Dormaa Central, Wamanafo at Dormaa East, and Biadan at Berekum East, Nsoatre at Sunyani West and Yawhimakrom at Sunyani East.

He was accompanied on the first day by top party officials, including the Bono Regional chairman, Amb Kwadwo Nyamekye Marfo, Regional Minister, Joseph Addae Akwaboa, Tain MP Sulemana Adama, Jaman North MP, Frederick Ahenkwaa Yaw, other MPs, regional and district executives of the party.