Questions are now beginning to emerge as to the competence, contributions and service John Mahama rendered to the people of Bole-Bamboi constituency during the three consecutive terms of John Dramani Mahama, the newly chosen running mate to the NDC flagbearer and the incumbent MP, to represent the area.
The choice of the Bole/Bamboi MP as the running mate for the NDC flagbearer came as a surprise to many of us at Bole because he failed to live up to the expectation and aspirations of the people he represents in Ghana's Legislative house.
Our MP who also served as a Communications Minister in the NDC government from 1998 to 2000 was in a better position and had every opportunity to lobby, influence and facilitate development projects in the constituency but performed abysmally. I wonder what he could bring to the nation as a Vice President if the NDC wins the 2008 polls.
I am a government appointee to the Bole District Assembly and wish to disclose that John Mahama has never attended any of the district's meetings since 2005 though he is an ex-officio member of the assembly. This shows how much the MP "has the welfare and interest" of the people at heart.
It would be wrong for anyone to think that NPP is 'dead' in the Bole-Bamboi constituency because of the selection of Mr John Mahama as a running mate. Rather, it presents a challenge to we the NPP activists in the area to embark on a vigorous campaign based on issues. The Bole MP's "big promises" remain unfulfilled and so has become unpopular in the constituency.
It is there not surprising that voters in Bole Township voted massively for NPP in the 2004 general election resulting in the NPP increasing its votes in the area election after election. The grounds in Bole are fertile for the NPP because, the party increased its votes from three thousand in 2000 to seven thousand in 2004 while NDC votes decreased from 14,000 in 2000 to 10,000 in 2004. With a little effort the NPP can spring a big surprise by winning in the NDC running mate's backyard. The NPP only need a popular, loyal, credible, dynamic, well informed and a well resourced aspirant to lead it in Bole and I believe I the party could spring a surprise.
The Bole-Bamboi constituency under the NPP government has witnessed unprecedented development projects and infrastructure. Bole is now connected to state broadcaster GTV, has a booster for FM transmission, a properly functioning communications networks, a District Police Quarters, a Rural Bank, tarring of Bole-Mandari road, near completion of Bole-Bamboi road, and the construction of Bui Dam which is expected to provide jobs for the many unemployed youth in the area.
The people of Bole will avoid the NDC because, its strategy and methods are "archaic" as compared to the NPP which believes in the rule of law, equal distribution of resources and is very aggressive about Ghana’s development agenda, as manifested in the numerous infrastructure development, the peace and tranquillity in the country, and prudent management of the Ghanaian economy.
Notwithstanding John Mahama's failures he needs to be congratulated for his new position of partnering the NDC Presidential candidate. He must also be commended him for bringing the name of Bole-Bamboi to national attention.
