Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu has expressed his frustration over the delay in electricity projects in his constituency.
He has criticized the government for what he perceives as political manoeuvring.
Mr Toobu cited the SHEP 5 project, which was slated for completion by the first quarter of 2023, but remains uncompleted as of the first quarter of 2024 and lamented the prolonged suffering of residents in Vieri, Kawu, Metile, and Gurungu who are still without access to electricity despite promises made by the Minister for Energy.
“When we left power in 2016 up to date as I speak, I have called the Minister of Energy before Parliament and I asked him a question, when will that SHEP 5 project be completed for the people in Vieri to have electricity, for the people in Kawu, Metile and Gurungu to have electricity? He told me by latest by quarter one 2023, we now in quarter one 2024 one year behind schedule,” he stated.
The MP expressed these concerns in an interview with Johnnie Hughes on the 3FM Sunrise Morning Show on February 22.
“The people of Wa West are still waiting for the electricity,” Toobu emphasized, questioning the government’s sincerity in addressing the issue. “I will continue to pester the Minister of Energy. I will continue to put pressure until these communities get electricity,” he said.
The MP accused the government of potentially exploiting the lack of electricity for political gain, suggesting that the sudden provision of power close to election period could be used as a tactic to sway votes. “Maybe on the day of voting, all this light will come on and the people will see that NPP is working and they will vote for them,” Toobu remarked, expressing skepticism about the government’s motives.
Mr Toobu also criticized the government’s track record on rural electrification, contrasting it unfavorably with previous administrations. “Anytime NDC is in power, many rural areas are connected to the national grid,” he noted, highlighting the lack of progress under the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, particularly in Wa West.
He further condemned the government’s failure to address basic infrastructure needs, such as providing adequate toilet facilities. “Unfortunately for me in Wa West, toilet that they began constructing, they have not been able to complete a single toilet in almost eight years,” he lamented.
The MP questioned the integrity and credibility of the government, particularly Vice President Dr. Bawumia, whom he believes lacks the qualities necessary for effective leadership. “Where is the credibility for you wanting to lead Ghana?” Toobu asked, citing economic concerns as evidence of the government’s failure to deliver on its promises.
Mr Toobu urged the government to take the concerns of the people seriously and to fulfill its obligations without resorting to political gamesmanship. “Listen, let’s take this country seriously. People are smarter than this,” he emphasized.
By Joselyn Kafui Nyadzi