By: Badu Gloria Efua
Concerned Youths in Koforidua, within the New Juaben South Municipality, have called for calm among political leaders, urging them to prioritise development over emotionally charged disputes, particularly between the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) and the Member of Parliament (MP).
In recent days, the MP for New Juaben South, Hon. Michael Okyere Baafi, has been in the media following allegations that he made ethnocentric remarks against the Eastern Regional Minister, suggesting that as a native of Krobo, she should not interfere in local matters concerning Koforidua.
He reportedly stated that residents are more likely to turn to him, as their elected representative, to address local concerns rather than the Regional Minister.
The situation has been further heightened by controversy surrounding the reassignment of a previously allocated space at the recently rehabilitated Jackson’s Park by the previous Npp Government to another individual, allegedly linked to a different political affiliation.
According to the MP, the decision taken by the New Juaben South Municipal Assembly and led by the MCE, Hon. Ransford Owusu Boakye, with alleged backing from the Regional Minister, Hon. Rita Akosua Awatey has contributed to growing dissatisfaction among residents.
Addressing a press conference in Koforidua, the convenor of the group, Israel Osei Asante, defended the MP, stating that Hon. Okyere Baafi had not made any tribal remarks and was justified in urging the Regional Minister not to interfere in local matters. Therefore there is no need to play emotions but prioritise development.
He emphasised that residents are more concerned about development than divisive rhetoric, and called for issue-based discussions that promote progress rather than political manoeuvring aimed at gaining public favour.
According to him, the youth are primarily interested in job creation, empowerment opportunities, and improved access to education.
Mr. Asante further commended Hon. Okyere Baafi’s leadership, citing initiatives such as “The New Koforidua Project,” which he said have contributed to tangible development in the municipality.
The group also appealed to the Municipal Assembly to reverse recent decisions regarding the reallocation of shops at Jackson’s Park, urging authorities to respect due process and uphold existing allocations.
They warned that failure to address these concerns could heighten tensions within the municipality.
Additionally, the group called on the MCE to desist from actions they described as deliberate attempts to undermine the MP.
The Concerned Youths also raised concerns over an alleged delay in the release of the MP’s Common Fund. Mr. Asante indicated that documentation relating to the fund may have bypassed established administrative procedures, which, if confirmed, would constitute a serious breach of public trust and governance standards.
He cautioned that any such delay could stall key development projects and adversely affect the livelihoods of residents.
The group has therefore issued a two-week ultimatum to the MCE and relevant authorities to address their concerns with transparency.
While reaffirming their commitment to peaceful, lawful, and constructive engagement, they stressed that they will not remain silent in the face of actions that undermine fairness, accountability, and development in New Juaben South.
