Press Statement
For Immediate Release
November 23, 2024
The People of Ablekuma West Deserve Better: Addressing the Erosion Crisis at Shiabu and Leadership Failures
The National Democratic Congress in the Ablekuma West Constituency has observed, with great concern, the devastating impact of the recent sea erosion at Shiabu, which has rendered a critical road impassable and severely disrupted transportation for residents. This incident has once again highlighted the appalling neglect of our constituency under the leadership of Mrs Ursula Owusu Ekuful, the Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West.
The situation in Shiabu is dire. For several days, the people have been grappling with the challenges posed by the closure of this essential road, yet there has been no tangible action from the sitting MP or the government to address the issue. Instead of working towards sustainable solutions to mitigate the effects of coastal erosion, the residents of Shiabu have been left to fend for themselves, battling both the forces of nature and the incompetence of their representative.
Mrs. Ursula Owusu Ekuful’s tenure as MP has been marked by a consistent lack of commitment to the needs of her constituents. The current crisis at Shiabu is not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of neglect and indifference:
Critical infrastructure projects in the constituency are either stalled or nonexistent. The erosion of the Shiabu road is the result of years of failure to invest in proper coastal protection measures, even though the risks have been evident for decades.
Mrs Owusu Ekuful is notorious for her absence from the constituency. She has failed to engage with the people she claims to represent, leaving residents without a voice in Parliament or support in times of crisis.
Beyond her incompetence, her behaviour as an MP has been a source of embarrassment to the constituency. Her public displays of rudeness and misconduct have tarnished the image of Ablekuma West, further alienating her from the very people she was elected to serve.
Despite repeated promises, basic services such as reliable transportation, proper drainage systems, and effective waste management remain out of reach for many in the constituency. Shiabu’s plight is a stark reminder of this failure.
This crisis is not only a failure of local representation but also a reflection of the larger incompetence of the ruling government. Coastal erosion is a national issue that requires proactive planning and investment. Yet, under this administration, critical programs to protect vulnerable communities have been underfunded or completely abandoned. Instead of prioritizing the welfare of Ghanaians, resources are squandered on vanity projects and partisan interests.
The National Democratic Congress in Ablekuma West stands in solidarity with the people of Shiabu and the entire Ablekuma West Constituency. We demand immediate and decisive action:
1. The government must deploy engineers and resources to repair the eroded road and implement long-term coastal protection measures.
2. Mrs Ursula Owusu Ekuful must account for her inaction and either step up to her responsibilities or step aside for a leader who genuinely cares about the people.
3. The ruling government must demonstrate its commitment to vulnerable communities by allocating adequate resources for disaster mitigation and sustainable development in Ablekuma West and beyond.
The National Democratic Congress believes in a leadership that prioritizes people over politics. We are committed to building a constituency where every resident feels heard, valued, and supported. The plight of Shiabu residents will not be ignored under our leadership.
The time for change is now. Ablekuma West deserves better than absentee leadership and hollow promises.
We urge all constituents to stand out and be counted in this season of changing the cause of our nation by voting for H.E John Dramani Mahama and Rev. Kweku Addo in the upcoming December elections. This is the only way Ablekuma West and our dear nation can be saved from the destruction and neglect we have witnessed over the past eight years.
Signed,
Abednego Ellorm Agbesi
Communications Director,
National Democratic Congress,
Ablekuma West.