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Stop the vendatta against Della Sowah- Youth Activist
Former Ghana Institute of Journalism(GIJ), Student Representative Council(SRC) president, Benjamin Avornyotse has called on the youth of Kpando to solidly support the vision of Member of Parliament of the area, Della Sowah to succeed.
He said the youths should respect the decision of the people of Kpando Constituency who elected Mrs. Della Sowah as MP.
Statistics
Mr.Avornyotse said he couldn’t understand why some of them were fixated on efforts to overturn the will of the people because the candidate they presented and supported was rejected at the polls.
He debunked the argument from certain quarters that due to a drop in her percentage vote she may be unpopular. He argued that “so if JM loses an elections, like in 2016, is it because he’s not popular?”
“In 2012, votes in Kpando dropped largely because of separation of a new constituency, by 2016, Dela Sowah moved the numbers from around 78% to 84% percent. Yet NDC lost the national elections, will you say, JM was unpopular so he shouldn’t have been repeated even though Della Sowah mproved NDC votes in 2016,” he quizzed.
He further added that “If the numbers dropped in 2020, should you not see it as a pointer that it can bounce back like it did between 2012 and 2016.You should be concerned about how she did that in the past and how it can be done again.”
he said rather,they spend their time, scheming to make her appear unpopular, when indeed she is very popular on the grounds, and later turn around to blame her for drop in JM’s numbers.
“Even in 2016 the year when she increased the numbers. In 2016 NDC still lost Nationally, these are facts you can’t dispute.Your opinion can’t be approbated and reprobated,” he added.
According to him, “applying your logic, should we say that, even though, Della Sowah improved the numbers in 2016, and JM lost, JM is unpopular and should not be given another chance?,” he quizzed.
“Or your argument on popularity and uninspiring-ness is selective, depending on where your interest lies, and that your thinking can’t be applied across board because Della Sowah is an easy target even if same opinion applied to the Presidential candidate.This logic is a selective amnesia obviously,” he said.
This was in response to some opinions that lower statistics of the MP Della Sowah’s election results equates unpopularity
Mr.Avornyotse The bottom line is, this’s a personal vin-data (bitter destructive, interest laced) agenda against Della Sowah is not borne out of any objective fair analysis and well-wishing polity for Kpando.
“I have observed these characters for such a long time not only in Kpando but across-board politically. The day Della finally exit, whether by voluntary action or an election outcome. It will only be just a matter of time before they turn their fire on the new candidate depending on where they find their new interest,” he said.
Achievements
Supporting Mr. Avonyotse’s argument, Mr. Eric Tata touched on some of the achievements of Hon. Della Sowah, saying, it was unfortunate that the constituency communication team had failed woefully in doing their work as NDC Communicators.
He said, Della Sowah’s contributions in debates, to statements, or questions, in parliament are excellent and inspiring.
In the constituency he confirmed that she has assisted over 1400 constituents with payment of fees. If you see the list you will be surprised that some of those criticising her are among beneficiaries he said.
Last year she rehabilitated Torkor landing site to enable Pantoon to keep docking at Torkor to save thousands of jobs in Torkor.
Again this year she repaired the Assembly’s road equipments for them to be able to do maintenance works on roads.
Mr.Tata said, in 2016 she paid for a building to house the National Health Insurance in Kpando, adding that this has given the citizenry of Kpando, Afadjato and North Dayi a place to access NHIA.
“Currently she is set to hand over a two story resource centre for the Chiefs of Kpando. It is 90% complete. Kpando is the only constituency with 100% school feeding coverage in Ghana.She built the largest shed in the region for drivers,” Mr.Tata stated.
Additionally, he said the MP organised skills training for nearly 2,000 and Provided over 10,000 bags of fertilizers for farmers.
“There are 2 two story school buildings to her credit Dafor/St. Thomas Tsakpe. Other school projects to her credit include Dzigbe, Dzewoe, Bame, Kpodzi etc
On soccer, he noted that the Mrs.Sowah organized a football gala and selected a team to play against a former black stars, producing a team for the Municipal Akpini Stars.
“She assisted Maquart Margaret Hospital to roof their child care centre. Supported many people with hospital bill payments. We can go on and on,” Mr.Tata concluded
THE Gospel Advocates (TGA), a non-denominational evangelistic Christian organisation last Saturday donated a number of educational logistics to the Dodi Asantekrom Basic School in the Eastern region of Ghana.
The gesture was to mark the seventh anniversary of the organisation made up of professionals committed to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to students in senior high schools, particularly in rural communities.
TGA also seeks to inspire students towards attaining academic excellence and guiding them towards optimising the various learning opportunities and academic programmes available at the tertiary level.
Among the items donated were 100 desks, 10 cupboards, 10 desktop computers, two laptops, 10 teachers’ tables and chairs and others.
The group also held its annual outreach programme that had a significant impact in the community through initiatives such as feeding 500 children with hot meals and assorted drinks, providing free medical screening and drugs for 500 adults and youth and conducting health education and sensitisation for both children and adults.
TGA also took upon itself to restock the community clinic with essential medicines and distributed food items, plastic bowls, cups and clothing to members of the community.
The initiative, according to officials of the group, was supported by ORSAM Limited, Doctors Save Lives Foundation, Johnson Tord Foundation, El-Shaddai Mothercare, Exceed Alliance Limited, GB Foods Ghana Limited, Qualiplast Limited, Phyto-Riker (Gihoc) Pharmaceuticals Limited, Cosa Bright Ghana, Kabs Pharmacy, Tobinco Pharmaceuticals, Pill Bay Pharmacy and Bamah 3.7.7.
“We are deeply grateful for their immense support and partnership in bringing hope, relief, and practical assistance to the people of Dodi Asantekrom,” the officials said.
In a statement, the President and Chairman of The Gospel Advocates, Mr. Selom Kpikpitse, said the donation to Dodi Asantekrom forms part of TGA’s broader mission to propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ among students and youth in rural communities through teachings, music and arts.
He explained that the meals provided to over 500 pupils were in line with the organization’s annual “Feed the Kidz Project,” which demonstrates Christ’s love.
Receiving the items on behalf of the school, the Headmaster, Mr. Otumfour Newton, expressed gratitude to TGA and its sponsors, saying that “the items would significantly enhance teaching and learning while improving the overall welfare and development of the pupils.”
Mr. Newton also commended the team for the free medical screenings for adults and youth in the community, and other community engagements.
Medical supplies were also donated to the Dodi Asantekrom CHPS compound and received on behalf of the facility by Mr. Amefu, a Physician Assistant.
By Spectator Reporter
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AS Ghana celebrates its 69th Independence Day, the country reflects on the vision of its first President, Kwame Nkrumah. Beyond political freedom, Nkrumah dreamed of building a modern, self-reliant nation.
He launched ambitious projects aimed at industrialisation, job creation, and to position Ghana as a leader in Africa.
Many of these projects were interrupted or abandoned after the 1966 coup that removed him from power. Today, these projects remain reminders of bold ambitions and opportunities for revival.
1. The Black Star Line
One of Nkrumah’s earliest initiatives was the Black Star Line, Ghana’s first national shipping company. Established in 1957, it aimed to boost trade and reduce dependence on foreign vessels. Nkrumah envisioned a fleet of Ghanaian ships transporting goods across Africa and beyond.
The project, however, suffered from poor management, financial challenges, and political instability. After the 1966 coup, the Black Star Line collapsed, leaving a gap in Ghana’s maritime sector. Today, the country still relies heavily on foreign shipping, showing how Nkrumah’s foresight was ahead of its time.
2. Railway expansion
Perhaps Nkrumah’s most enduring domestic dream was a nationwide railway network. He wanted lines connecting northern and southern Ghana, linking agricultural zones to factories, and connecting mines to ports. Railways were to be the backbone of industrialisation, enabling efficient transport of goods and people.
Much of this vision remains unrealised. Expansion stalled after 1966, and the network has suffered decades of neglect.
- Juapong textile factory
- Tomato and fruit processing plants: Designed to add value to agricultural produce, but operations collapsed due to inconsistent supply and lack of technical expertise.
Modernisation efforts by successive governments, including the construction of the Tema–Mpakadan line and rehabilitation of parts of the Western Line, have only partially restored his vision. A fully integrated railway system, particularly linking northern regions, remains a work in progress.
3. Accra–Tema Industrial corridor
The Accra–Tema Motorway, constructed in the early 1960s, was intended to anchor an industrial corridor connecting factories, ports, and residential areas.
The motorway itself was completed and remains a key route, but many industrial zones along the corridor were never built, limiting the economic impact of the project.
4. Defunct factories and industrial ambitions
Through the Ghana Industrial Holding Corporation (GIHOC), Nkrumah established numerous state-owned factories to reduce imports, create jobs, and industrialise the country. Many of these factories, however, became defunct due to poor management, political changes, and economic challenges.
Some notable examples include:
- Textile factories: Aimed at making Ghana self-reliant in clothing production, but most shut down after Nkrumah’s overthrow.
- Brick, tile, and cement factories: Intended to supply building materials for rapid urbanisation; many closed or underperformed.
- Sugar and meat processing plants: Built to supply local demand and reduce imports, yet most never reached full capacity.
These defunct factories are a testament to the challenges of maintaining large-scale industrial projects in a changing political and economic environment. They also illustrate the potential that existed to make Ghana self-sufficient in manufacturing.
Meridian Hotel
The Meridian Hotel in Tema. Built in 1960 by Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. One of the most sought-after hotels at the time, it was a popular location for dignitaries and tourists. The iconic hotel was so popular it inspired the famous Wulomei song Meridian.
Sadly, it has been abandoned for over two decades after it was closed down in the late 1990s. Meanwhile, residents in the area have called on the government to demolish the building if there are no plans to revamp it.
Lessons and way forward
These abandoned projects and defunct factories are not just stories of failure. They highlight Nkrumah’s bold vision and the importance of continuity in national development. Independence brought freedom, but building a self-reliant, industrialised Ghana requires sustained planning, political stability, and investment in infrastructure and human capital.
As Ghana marks its 69th Independence Day, revisiting these projects is both a reflection on history and a call to action. Reviving or modernising parts of these initiatives could strengthen infrastructure, create jobs, and make the country more competitive in the regional and global economy.
Nkrumah’s projects were not merely monuments of ambitions but blueprints for economic sovereignty. As Ghanaians, it is not just enough to remember past events leading to independence but completing and reviving works that began in 1957.
It reminds us that true nation-building—connecting the country, industrialising the economy, and asserting Ghana’s role in Africa—is an ongoing journey.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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