We, the Concerned Nzema Youths Group for Development, are deeply disheartened and disappointed by the recent statements made by Dr. Mathew Opoku Prempeh, the former Energy Minister and running mate to the NPP’s presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, during his campaign tour in the Nzema constituencies of Jomoro, Ellembele, and Nzema East*.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s claims that the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant was built under President Kufuor is not only false but a direct insult to the intelligence and dignity of the people of Nzema.
This blatant distortion of history must be corrected immediately, and we call on Dr. Opoku Prempeh to apologize* to the good people of Nzema for this *dishonest and misleading statement
Setting the Record Straight
The *Atuabo Gas Processing Plant*, along with the **National Gas Exploration Station** in our Nzema land, is part of the **Western Corridor Gas Project**. This monumental project, which began in July 2011, was initiated under the *NDC government* led by the late President John Evans Atta Mills and continued by President John Dramani Mahama*. It was not as falsely claimed by Dr. Opoku Prempeh, a project of the NPP under former President Kufuor.
This project, overseen by notable Nzema leaders such as *Dr. George Sipa Yankey* and *Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah*, was designed to *monetize the country’s domestic natural gas from the Jubilee Field*. The Atuabo Gas Processing Plant has since played a crucial role in *stabilizing Ghana’s economy by reducing the need for hard currency to import Light Crude Oil (LCO) to power thermal plants.
The Truth About the Petroleum Hub
Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s claim that the *NPP will build a Petroleum Hub in Nzema* if voted into power is yet another attempt to *deceive the people*. This project has **never been included in any official government planning documents**, raising serious doubts about its viability. Furthermore, the *NPP’s economic mismanagement* and history of *corruption* make it unlikely that they can successfully deliver such a massive project.
Broken Promises and Failed Leadership
Dr. Opoku Prempeh’s attempt to *rewrite history* is not the only concern we have with the current NPP leadership. Despite their grand promises, the *NPP has failed to deliver* on key development projects in Nzema land. For example:
1. *Road Infrastructure:* The much-publicized *Samenye to Jaway Wharf road project*, inaugurated by Vice President Dr. Bawumia in 2020, remains *incomplete*. The deplorable condition of our roads continues to *claim lives*, and the NPP’s neglect is *unforgivable.
2. *Industrialization and Jobs:* The NPP’s flagship policies, such as *”One District, One Factory” and “One Constituency, One Million Dollars,”* have *failed to materialize* in Nzema land. The promised *cassava and fertilizer factories* were never built, leaving our youth unemployed* and our communities *underdeveloped*.
3. Energy Sector Failures* Despite promises to resolve the energy crisis, the *NPP has failed* to end the intermittent power supply (“*Dumsor*”) that continues to *disrupt lives and businesses*.
4. *Unmet Health and Educational Promises:* The NPP’s *Agenda 111* to build hospitals across the country has largely *failed*, denying many communities in Nzema land access to *essential healthcare facilities*. Similarly, their promises of *educational infrastructure* have not been fulfilled.
*A Call for Accountability*
We urge *Dr. Opoku Prempeh* and the entire *NPP leadership* to respect the *intelligence of Nzema indigenes*. Nzema land is not a place for *cheap political rhetoric* or *historical revisionism*. Our people are *well-informed* and will not be swayed by *false promises* or *dishonest claims*.
It is also worth reminding Dr. Opoku Prempeh of his recent *disrespectful remarks* about our revered first president, *Dr. Kwame Nkrumah*. Such behavior should have taught him a *lesson in humility and respect* for our history. Yet, here he is again, *disrespecting Nzema land* and its people.
*Our Stand for Truth and Progress*
We, the *Concerned Nzema Youths Group for Development*, will *not be deceived* by the NPP’s last-minute promises or attempts to rewrite history. We recognize the *NDC’s genuine contributions* to Nzema land’s development, from the *construction of the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant* to the *expansion of rural electrification and infrastructure projects*. These are the achievements we honor and remember.
As we approach the *December 2024 general elections*, we call on all Nzema indigenes to *vote wisely*. Let us stand with a party that has *consistently delivered* on its promises. Let us vote for *John Dramani Mahama* and the *NDC parliamentary candidates* who have a proven track record of bringing *meaningful development* to Nzema land.
*Conclusion*
Nzema land deserves better. We deserve leaders who *respect our history*, *honor their promises*, and *work tirelessly* for our development. Let us unite and ensure that our votes in December reflect our desire for *truth, progress, and a brighter future* for Nzema land.
*Signed:*
1. *Joel Samuel Ndede(Arise)*
Convenor, Concerned Nzema Youths Group for Development
Contact: 0543257294
2. *Madam Matilda Menlah Kaku*
Organizer, Concerned Nzema Youths Group for Development
3. *Mr. Michael Kwaw*
Secretary, Concerned Nzema Youths Group for Development
