Constituency Watch: Shama Constituency faces fierce election showdown with infrastructure in focus

As the 2024 elections approach, voters are raising concerns about problems that will influence their voting decisions. In the Shama Constituency, key concerns include the long-abandoned district hospital project and deteriorating roads.

In the face of the NPP government’s social intervention plans, voters in the Shama constituency are looking at the current economic condition, the District Hospital that has been left to rot, and the constituency’s lack of infrastructure.

Alex Gyemfi, a commercial driver, lamented the government’s continual indifference, citing countless pledges made to constituents but little action taken.

“We believe the government of the day is playing lip service with us; they pledge to improve the road from Shama Junction to Shama, but to no use; a sod was cut at Nyankrom for the construction of a district hospital, which has yet to materialize,” he laments.

Although some work is being done on the Shama Junction to Shama road, some residents believe it is an attempt to gain political points as we approach the polls.

Regardless, some citizens have praised the government’s achievements, noting free SHS, job development, and digitization.

Justice Corbinah, a constituent, is adamant that another four-year term for the NPP will allow the Shama constituency to receive the necessary infrastructural boost, stating that “the New Patriotic Party is going into this year’s election with more competent candidates vying for both Presidential and Parliamentary for Shama.”

Shama is a politically significant swing constituency where the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have exchanged parliamentary victories over time.

In 2000 and 2004 the NPP dominated in Shama, however the tide turned in 2008 and 2012 when the NDC worn both Presidential and Parliamentary vote. The NPP bounced back in 2016 and retained it 2020.

For the 2024 election, both parties are fielding strong candidates. Isaac Kwamena Afful, a banker and philanthropist, represents the NPP, while the NDC has chosen Emelia Arthur, a District Chief Executive, former Deputy Western Regional Minister and Presidential Staffer.

Isaac Kwamena Afful is optimistic in his prospects of winning, predicting a landslide triumph in the forthcoming election. As he explains even before being elected as Member of Parliament the constituency has been reaping some benefits from him as he has undertaken developmental projects across the constituency.

These project Afful rides on to declared that his opponent is no match for him, highlighting his greater vision for the constituency’s future.

Afful voiced tremendous confidence about tackling long-standing infrastructure difficulties, promising to create long-term solutions if given the opportunity to lead.

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) continues to stand firm in its support for Emelia Arthur, thinking she is a formidable candidate who has already earned the hearts of many residents.

Abdul Raman Ali, the Zongo Caucus Coordinator, commended Arthur’s considerable experience, citing the multiple programs and social interventions she has led, which he feels give her an advantage over her challenger, Isaac Afful.

As the election approaches, all eyes are on the Shama Constituency, where the contest between these two political giants promises to be tough and competitive. The stage is set for a conflict that might determine the constituency’s destiny.

The post Constituency Watch: Shama Constituency faces fierce election showdown with infrastructure in focus first appeared on 3News.

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