The Odikro of Gomoa Kumasi in the Gomoa West Constituency of the Central Region, Odeasempa Nana Yaw Tawiah Amponsah III, has cautioned individuals within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) who are allegedly working to frustrate development projects being undertaken by NDC parliamentary hopeful Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart.
The traditional ruler warned that any attempt to obstruct projects that benefit the people of Gomoa West would be fiercely resisted by the traditional authorities, stressing that development should never become a casualty of internal political disagreements.
His comments came during a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of teachers’ bungalows at Gomoa Kumasi, one of several community projects being funded by Captain Smart as part of his development agenda for the constituency.
Captain Smart, a media personality who has declared his intention to contest the NDC parliamentary primaries for Gomoa West, has reportedly faced resistance from some sections of the party since announcing his ambition.
According to information circulating within the constituency, some party members are uncomfortable with the scale and pace of development projects he has initiated ahead of the opening of nominations for the parliamentary contest.
Since declaring his interest in the seat, Captain Smart has cut sod for the construction of health facilities, educational infrastructure, community centres, teachers’ accommodation, and the drilling of boreholes in several communities across Gomoa West.
It has also been alleged that some constituency executives have petitioned the national leadership of the NDC to stop him from undertaking further development projects, arguing that the party has not officially opened nominations or sanctioned campaign activities.
Addressing residents and guests at the ceremony, Nana Yaw Tawiah Amponsah III expressed disappointment over what he described as attempts to politicise development initiatives.
According to him, anyone opposing projects that directly improve the lives of the people is fighting against the progress of Gomoa State itself.
He stressed that traditional leaders would not sit unconcerned while efforts to develop their communities were sabotaged for political reasons.
The chief declared that the chiefs and people of Gomoa are prepared to resist any individual or group seeking to derail development, regardless of their political affiliation.
He further appealed to members of the NDC to place the welfare of the constituency above personal interests and unite behind initiatives that improve education, healthcare, and living conditions in the area.
The Queen Mother of Gomoa Kumasi, Nana Akua Eyiaaba I, also praised Captain Smart for financing the construction of the teachers’ bungalows.
Speaking on behalf of the community, she described the project as timely and significant, noting that inadequate accommodation has long been one of the major challenges affecting teachers posted to the area.
She expressed optimism that the new bungalows would improve teachers’ welfare, enhance staff retention, and ultimately contribute to better teaching and learning outcomes.
The Queen Mother also reaffirmed the community’s commitment to supporting Captain Smart’s vision of transforming Gomoa West through practical development initiatives.
Speaking in an interview with the media after the ceremony, Captain Smart reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of the people of Gomoa West.
He said his focus remains firmly on delivering meaningful development rather than engaging in political distractions or responding to opposition from individuals whose interests, he claimed, are driven by personal gain.
According to him, his vision for the constituency aligns with the government’s “Resetting Agenda,” which he said is centred on selfless service and improving the welfare of ordinary Ghanaians.
Captain Smart maintained that the people of Gomoa West deserve leadership that prioritises development over politics and assured residents that he would continue to initiate projects that positively impact their communities despite the criticisms.
By Joseph Cobbina
