Sheila Bartels, Co-chair of the NPP’s 2024 Manifesto Team for Housing and Infrastructure and MP for Ablekuma North, has defended the government’s recent flurry of project commissioning.
Speaking on ABC Midday on November 25, 2024, Bartels explained that the move is a way to highlight the party’s achievements as the nation heads toward elections.
“It’s only fair that within the four-year period, whatever we have done, we let people appreciate. Just as everyone is going around campaigning, I believe this is a way to show people that what they entrusted into our care, we have done a lot with it,” she said.
Bartels dismissed criticism from opposition parties, who have labeled the projects as last-minute electioneering tactics.
“Why will they complain when we are showing them what we have done? There is so much we have achieved,” she remarked. Bartels suggested that some critics are simply opposed to progress. “There is no better time than now.
As for the naysayers who do not want good things, whatever you do, they will not be happy with it,” she added.
On the upcoming elections, Bartels expressed confidence in the NPP’s record, pointing to Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s leadership as a key factor.
“Without a shred of doubt, we have discharged ourselves creditably enough for people to entrust us with another four years,” she asserted.
Bartels emphasized the government’s ability to deliver results despite challenges, saying, “We have shown that despite difficulties, we have been able to steer the country successfully.”
President Akufo-Addo is set to commission three major projects today: 1,072 homes in Tema Community 26 under the Affordable Housing Project, the Atoaso Owabi River Bridge, and the Sabronum Government Hospital.
This follows last week’s unveiling of six projects, including the FlowerPot Interchange and the Tema-Mpakadan Railway.
While opposition parties claim these are last-minute efforts to sway voters, the government maintains that these projects reflect its sustained commitment to national development.