As December 7 approaches, some communities have declared their intention not to participate in the elections, citing a lack of development in their areas.
These communities struggle with essential services, including access to good roads, electricity, quality schools, and clean drinking water.
Residents claim that politicians only visit their communities during election seasons, neglecting them the rest of the time.
In the Njobilbo community, located in the Tatale Sanguli constituency, residents have pledged to boycott the upcoming elections unless they receive concrete assurances from politicians. Upon visiting these communities, one might question whether they are truly part of Ghana, given the glaring lack of development. The community has been left behind, with no significant improvements. Access roads are in dire condition, with sections submerged in water and riddled with potholes, making travel difficult.
In Njobilbo, basic amenities such as clean water, electricity, and adequate school facilities are scarce. Frustrated residents feel forgotten by their leaders and have decided not to vote unless they see a commitment to bringing development.
Channel One News had to navigate poor roads to reach Njobilbo. The two primary routes, from Tatale through Nahayili and from Zabzugu, are both in terrible shape. Despite its challenges, the community is home to nearly 2,000 voters. The area’s Member of Parliament, Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways Thomas Mbomb has yet to address these issues.
A community elder and other residents shared their concerns with Channel One, stating they will not vote in December unless politicians promise to improve their conditions.
“We have been voting here massively for NPP, but it looks as if we are not part of any agenda for the NPP in the district. Our voting population is 1,251. Over 3000 population are within and nearby, but we have no good road, no electricity, no portable water, no health facility no help for the poor. Poor educational standards and many more. We are confused whether we should continue to vote or not.
“If nothing is done from now till the election period, we may not accept electoral officials to come to the community for any voting process. NDC will not come to our aid because they normally lose in the available polling stations and NPP also takes us for granted, ” stated Bayum Yakum, an elder in the community.
The community’s primary, and junior high schools are in disrepair. The junior high has no secure structure; its roof is nearly destroyed, causing classes to end whenever the weather changes. Only two teachers handle the junior high school. The headmaster shared these struggles with Channel One News.
“Only two teachers are handling the school from Form 1 to Form 3, teaching 10 subjects. We don’t have furniture and places to sit. We are only managing under the trees. We are appealing to the government and stakeholders to help us get a structure and textbooks for the pupils.”
The primary school faces similar challenges, with students often sitting on the bare floor due to a lack of furniture. The assistant head teacher also spoke out about these issues.
“We don’t have even a single teacher’s furniture. The ones you see are three classes’ furniture. We had to assemble them because you came here so that all the children would at least get space to sit. Once you leave, we will separate the class again and divide the furniture between them. Three children to one piece of furniture which doesn’t improve learning.”
The EP Church originally established the school, but when the government took over, it failed to provide any structural support. The local EP Church manager also expressed frustration, joining the community in appealing to the government for help.
Due to the school’s poor conditions, teachers frequently refuse postings to the area. In 2022, during the school’s 25th anniversary, Channel One reported on the situation, and both the MP and District Chief Executive promised improvements. However, nearly two years later, these promises remain unfulfilled.
By Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira
#GhanaPolls2024
#ElectionBureau
#CitiVerify
