The Member of Parliament for Akyem Oda, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has continued his free fuel support programme for commercial drivers and riders in the constituency, with the initiative entering its third day.
The intervention, which involves the distribution of about 1,000 gallons of fuel, is intended to provide immediate financial relief to transport operators amid rising operational costs and pump prices.
The programme is also expected to help drivers and riders keep their vehicles and motorcycles on the road, ensuring that residents can continue to access transportation for their daily activities, including business and trading.
According to the MP’s team, the initiative forms part of efforts to support transport operators at the grassroots and ease some of the financial pressures associated with their work.
Some beneficiaries of the programme have expressed appreciation to Mr Acquah for what they described as an unusual intervention by a public official to directly support commercial transport operators.
One of the beneficiaries, a driver identified as Oduro, said he had benefited from the programme on three separate occasions.
He recalled receiving the free fuel support in previous years and said he is grateful to be among the beneficiaries again this year.
According to him, he could not immediately recall another Member of Parliament or public office holder in the area who had undertaken a similar initiative on such a scale.
Oduro said the intervention demonstrates the MP’s commitment to supporting ordinary constituents, particularly workers whose livelihoods depend on the daily operation of their vehicles.
“This is the third time I am receiving the free fuel. I received it last two years, last year and today too, here I am benefiting. Who has done this for us before? Let the person come out and say it. No one has done that.”
He added that even if Mr Acquah decided not to seek re-election in the future, he would personally encourage him to reconsider.
“As for Hon. Akwasi Acquah, if even he decides not to contest again, I, Oduro, will personally go and pull his hand and compel him to contest and continue to be our MP for Akyem Oda.”
Oduro also contrasted the current MP’s activities with what he said were the limited benefits some constituents had received from previous representatives.
“We have had people who we gave our mandate to but did not even open a drug store to benefit us. But we have Hon. Akwasi Acquah who is working so hard for us.”
Another beneficiary, Anim, popularly known at the Oda station as “Di Wo Line Mu”, also praised the initiative and appealed to the legislator to remain focused despite criticism from some quarters.
Anim, who was in the queue to receive the fuel, said he was surprised when he learned about the amount reportedly being spent on the programme.
He said the MP could have directed the resources towards his personal or family needs but had instead chosen to support commercial drivers.
“I was overwhelmed and alarmed when I heard about the amount of money he is spending on the free fuel initiative. He could have used it to do better things for his family members, but no, he has thought about us, the drivers, and has decided to support us.”
He prayed for God’s blessings for the MP and his endeavours.
“All I can say is that may the Almighty God bless him and his endeavours.”
Some beneficiaries also pointed to other interventions they attributed to Mr Acquah, including support for healthcare infrastructure and services in the constituency.
One of the drivers said the MP had established a private hospital in addition to supporting activities at the Akyem Oda Government Hospital.
The driver argued that the combination of healthcare interventions and the fuel support demonstrates what he described as the MP’s direct contribution to improving the welfare of constituents.
The beneficiary said the free fuel programme was particularly important to commercial drivers because fuel constitutes a significant portion of their daily operating expenses.
For many commercial drivers and riders, fluctuations in fuel prices directly affect their earnings, vehicle maintenance and the ability to operate consistently.
The beneficiaries therefore said the intervention would provide temporary relief by reducing the amount they have to spend on fuel from their daily earnings.
They further expressed hope that the support would continue to benefit more transport operators across the constituency.
The ongoing exercise has generated positive reactions among some beneficiaries, who say the direct support has given them financial relief and demonstrated attention to the challenges confronting transport operators.
While the initiative is primarily presented as a support programme for drivers and riders, its impact is also expected to extend to commuters and businesses that depend on reliable transportation within the Akyem Oda area.
By 1960news.com
