Concerned youth of Debre in the Central Gonja District have held a press conference to register their grievances with key political leaders, including the Savannah Regional Minister, Hon. Salisu Be-Awurbi, the Member of Parliament for Yapei-Kusawgu Constituency and Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Hon. John Jinapor, and the District Chief Executive for Central Gonja, Hon. Mahama Fuseini.
The press conference, addressed by Zakariah Abdul-Hafiz, popularly known as Wonder B, who serves as Convenor and Secretary of the Mpaha For Peace Youth Group, raised four key concerns on behalf of the youth of Mpaha and Debre.
The youth expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises made during the 2024 campaign season regarding the use of the Ghana Card for recruitment into the security services. According to Wonder B, the youth were told the Ghana Card would suffice for the recruitment process, but they have since been required to present additional documents. He added that after submitting those documents, the youth no longer receive any feedback or communication from the political leaders who made those promises. He further revealed that some youth who were invited for medical screening could not proceed due to the GHC 1,600.00 screening fee, which they were unable to afford.
The youth also raised concerns about the lack of portable drinking water in their community, describing the situation as a long-standing problem that continues to affect the health and daily lives of residents.
Additionally, the youth expressed disappointment over the absence of the Constituency Chairman at community events such as funerals, naming ceremonies, wedding ceremonies, Independence Day parades, and local festivals. They noted that the Chairman actively attended such events during the campaign season but has since been absent, despite residing in Mpaha.
Finally, the youth called on the MP, Hon. John Jinapor, to fulfill his campaign promise to construct an astroturf facility and a community centre for the people of Mpaha and Debre.
