Neglected and Powerless: Atwima Mponua Residents Cry for Development
Residents of Mpasatia-Abompe, Bedabour, Kyekyentaa, Kwamedwaa, and Mansaso in the Atwima Mponua District of the Ashanti Region are calling for urgent government intervention over their continued lack of electricity.
According to the residents, the situation has persisted for years despite several appeals to authorities, leaving the communities in darkness and slowing down development.
They are appealing to the Energy Minister, Hon. John Jinapor, the Ashanti Regional Minister, and the District Chief Executive for Atwima Mponua, Ibrahim Issah, to prioritise the completion of the stalled electrification project and repair faulty infrastructure in the area.
Residents say a non-functional transformer and deteriorating utility poles have rendered previous efforts to connect the communities to the national grid ineffective.
They also called for the completion of abandoned projects, including a CHPS compound and educational facilities, stressing that the lack of these amenities is affecting healthcare delivery and education.
When Swiftnews3 visited Bedabour, some obsolete transformers were seen lying idle, which residents claim have been abandoned for decades. According to them, the equipment was meant to supply electricity to the communities but has been left unused by successive governments despite repeated appeals.
They further alleged that solar streetlights installed in the area have deteriorated, with some parts stolen by unknown persons.
Some artisans, including hairdressers and seamstresses, told Swiftnews3 that their businesses are suffering due to the lack of electricity, forcing them to travel to nearby towns such as Mpasatia to work.
They also appealed to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to come to their aid, noting that the affected communities are strongholds of the party.
“The NDC always gets more votes from this community and others, but it is sad that there has been no development here even while the party is in power,” one seamstress said. “We have to travel to Mpasatia just to sew clothes, and this is affecting our business.”
Residents are hopeful that their concerns will receive the needed attention to bring development and improve living conditions in the area.
