The two- term former Member of Parliament(MP) for Mampong in the Ashanti region,Hon.Francis Addai-Nimoh has advocated that every MP should be an agent of development for his or her constituency even though, it is not one of the written functions of MPs. According to him, aside the legistrative, oversight among other functions of the MPs he proposes that every MP should be an agent for development for his or her constituency.
Adding that MPs are in the better position to lobby for the needed development for their constituencies .It is against the backdrop,Hon.Addai-Nimoh calls on the Ashanti Caucus to use their numbers or strength in Parliament to lobby Government for more development for the region as has been articulated by residents of the region.Hon.Francis Addai-Nimoh who is also 2024 NPP Flagbearer hopeful made the call during an exclusive interview with Opemsuo radio 107.4 “Nkwantannso morning show” hosted by George Agudey on Monday,8th August,2022.
The former Mampong MP stressed that the high expectations from Ashanti region from NPP government is natural because NPP gets more votes from the region.
Apart from that the geographical location, tradition, business nature of the region among other factors all points to the facts that Ashanti region needs more development.
He said under former president Kufour a lot of roads were done and currently a lot of them have been deteriorated though some roads have been done by the current government. He said due to the economic Crisis the road sector has also been affected under the current government
He appeals to Ashanti NPP caucus especially to re-double their lobbying skills to ensure more development for the region. Adding that they alone constitute about 35% of the 275 MPs hence they should use their numbers or strength to push for more development.
He also appeals to Hon.Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu to use his influence as the longest serving legislature and Majority Leader to lobby for more development for his constituency.” I think the residents there are expecting more from him because he has served as MP for about 28 years now and has also held leadership positions in Parliament. However, physical attacked on him should be condemned by all”.
In a response to a question if he was prepared for the NPP flagbearership contest which is yet to be officially announced? Hon.Francis Addai-Nimoh asked “Is it hot water or cold water which swallows people which the host of the show said cold water! He continues that “I’m professional engineer and Administrator and don’t I qualify to be President?
I have been MP for twice (8).Now 57 years and some who are also interested in contesting for the flagbearership have not even contested for even a polling station election in NPP!
ADDAI-NIMOH is fully prepared for today, tomorrow and anytime the Party opens nomination for the flagbearership race.If we want to break the 8 we have to be sober now in the decision we take to ensure that most suitable candidate is selected and Addai Nimoh is the best bet to break the 8 years”,he added.
He therefore warned the Party (NPP) not to repeat the mistakes that led to the dropped of the Party’s seats from 169 in 2016 to 137 in 2020.
And that every qualified Member of the party should be allowed to contest both Parliamentary and Presidential race come 2024 general elections.
He said NPP wants to set records by breaking the 8 and “we must accept the fact that breaking the 8 is possible but not easy.”I’m the originator of “NPP needs a new face to break the 8”.And I have therefore suggested three(3) major things the party should do to help break the 8.Thus; To break the 8 NPP needs internal cohesion. All mafia tactics should be avoided. Secondly, government’s performance to lessen current economic hardship Ghanaians are going through and
Thirdly, agenda new face to break the 8.Accordingto him,the current trend under the forth republic buttresses his points.Adding that “if we (NPP) want to break the 8 and not just a Presidential candidate they need to be sober and reflect on which candidate is capable of winning the 2024. When the proposed factors are considered it would bring revitalization.
He again, appeals to the current national executives of NPP to help address the pending problems from the polling stations to the national level before the Party’s flagbearer is elected.
On open endorsement by chairman Wontumi,Hon.Addai Nimoh said what Chairman Wontumi did is condemnable. “If you’re a leader, you don’t break division but promotes unity.
Let’s respect and adhere to the rules by the Party for our all good .All constituencies, regional and national officers should obey the rules and regulations.
I support the directive by the General Secretary that all elected party officers from constituency level through to the national officers should stay neutral”.NPP flagbearership race,he reminded the rank and file of the party is not a foregone conclusion for anyone hence they should be sober.
