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The simmering political tensions in the Offinso North District have boiled over, with the District Chief Executive (DCE), Caesar Ofosu Acheampong, publicly accusing the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Fred Kyei Asamoah, of actively sabotaging development projects.
The DCE specifically pointed to efforts to incite local opposition against the proposed ultra-modern 24-Hour Economy Market slated for construction in Nkenkaasu.
In a strongly worded statement, DCE Acheampong lambasted the MP, alleging a consistent pattern of discouraging the youth from supporting developmental initiatives. “Stop creating faction, development of Offinso North is my focus,” the DCE stated, directly addressing the MP’s purported activities.
The DCE’s comments come on the heels of recent reports detailing the disappointment and protest from some concerned citizens of Afrancho.
These citizens are reportedly “up in arms” over the decision to site the pivotal 24-Hour Economy Market project in Nkenkaasu instead of Afrancho.
The protesting youth and market traders from Afrancho argue that their existing market is more suitable, citing the ample land availability and the fact that the Afrancho market currently serves twenty-one (21) communities, making Nkenkaasu a “misplaced priority” for the project. They have called on the DCE to reconsider the decision.
Responding to the concerns and the underlying political friction, Mr. Acheampong, described as the “affable DCE,” provided a detailed defense of the decision to locate the 24-hour market in Nkenkaasu.
He first countered the claims of neglecting Afrancho by referencing his administration’s commitment to the community.
He revealed that his office had successfully completed and commissioned a market for the people of Afrancho, a facility that had been left uncompleted since 1996.
“I have worked and commissioned a market which was left to rot since 1996 for the people of Afrancho, and they now have a weekly market on Fridays,” the DCE explained.
He asserted that constructing the new 24-Hour Economy Market at Nkenkaasu is strategically the best decision and will serve its intended purpose in line with the broader economic vision for the district.
DCE Acheampong did not mince words when discussing the political undercurrents fueling the opposition. He categorically labeled those engaging in the alleged sabotage of the Nkenkaasu project as “enemies of progress.”
In a direct political jab, the DCE linked the MP’s alleged actions to fears regarding the potential political impact of the current government’s work.
He suggested that the opponents are “scared of the good work of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama” and believe that the achievements of his administration, coupled with President Mahama’s legacy, will ultimately help maintain the NPP in opposition for an extended period.
The development of the 24-Hour Economy Market is a crucial component of the government’s economic agenda, aimed at boosting local commerce and ensuring continuous economic activity. The DCE’s firm stand underscores his commitment to the project, despite the mounting local and political resistance.
This public exchange signals a significant escalation in the political rivalry between the two key political figures in Offinso North, with the fate of major development projects now caught in the crossfire.
