As the race for the Ayawaso East by-election intensifies, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Mohammed Baba Jamal Ahmed, is leaning heavily on his developmental track record in Akwatia, Eastern Region.
Speaking at a public forum organized by the Concerned Nima Citizens Foundation, the former High Commissioner to Nigeria vowed to replicate his “Akwatia Success Story” in the heart of Nima.
The by-election, scheduled for March 3, was necessitated by the untimely passing of the sitting Member of Parliament, Naser Toure Mahama.
Addressing a crowded forum intended to promote peace and political accountability, Baba Jamal met criticisms regarding his roots head-on.
“Some people say I am from Akwatia. I am proud to have been born in Akwatia,” he declared.
“When I had the opportunity to serve, I delivered.
Akwatia had no water; I personally initiated a project from Turkey to bring them water.
I brought two secondary schools, built a market, and constructed roads and bridges to connect neighboring communities and that is the transformation I am bringing to Ayawaso East.”
Baba Jamal emphasized that his experience as a diplomat and former government official provides the “influence and leverage” necessary to move Nima beyond basic infrastructure, such as gutters, and into the realm of modern urban planning.
The centerpiece of Jamal’s vision is a complete overhaul of Nima’s commercial hub.
He proposed rebuilding the Nima Market into a modern facility, coupled with an ambitious solution to the area’s infamous Wednesday traffic gridlock.
To transition the market into a state-of-the-art facility, the former Akwatia lawmaker has promised to construct an underground parking space capable of holding 2,000 vehicles.
This initiative aims to completely decongest surface-level roads and streamline local commerce.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the NDC candidate outlined a socio-economic strategy that focuses on traders and youth.
Nothing that 70% of the local economy is anchored by women, Jamal promised to establish a dedicated fund to provide soft loans for market traders.
He has pledged to establish a scholarship program for tertiary students to ease the financial burden on families.
He also committed to supporting hundreds of young people through specialized artisanal skills training, providing them with immediate vocational career paths.
The forum featured all five candidates appearing on the ballot, each pledging to uphold peace before, during, and after the polls.
Awalu Angulu Awudu Agbaadzenna, an executive member of the Concerned Nima Citizens Foundation, reminded the candidates that the platform was not just for campaigning, but for establishing a record of service.
Awalu Angulu Awudu Agbaadzenna, Executive Member, Concerned Nima Citizens Foundation
“The people of Nima will hold the winner accountable to the promises made here today,” Agbaadzenna remarked, echoing the community’s demand for tangible results over political rhetoric.
As the March 3 polls approach, Baba Jamal is apparently banking on the hope that his history of “bringing water to the thirsty” in Akwatia will convince the voters of Ayawaso East that he is the right man to quench their thirst for development.
By 1960news.com
