Thousands of residents in the Sekondi Takoradi Metropolis of the Western Region have taken to the streets to register their anger over what they describe as Sekondi/Takoradi deserves better demonstration.
The demonstrators indicate that the development of the Twin City has over the years been neglected by various governments. They believe authorities have refused to drive home the needed development for the city.
Convener of the protest, Samuel Appiah Gyimah also known as GH Bishop told Nhyiraba Paa Kwesi Simpson, the host of Connect FM’s Omanbapa Morning show that roads in the Twin City are currently in a mess. He adds that the Twin City lacks infrastructure development.
“People are scared to speak up in Sekondi Takoradi because of political witch-hunting. Look at the Essipon Sports stadium, it is currently in a total mess and nobody seems to care. Our culture center is in a sorry state, nothing has over the years been done about it. Traffic lights have been off for over five years and our roads are very bad. That is what we are seeking answers from our leaders,” he indicated.
The protesters marched from Takoradi to Sekondi with placards in different inscriptions to register their anger. They ended the demonstration at the Western Region Coordinating Council to present their petition.
However, the Western Region Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah was unavailable to receive the petition. The protesters refused to hand over the petition to a representative and insisted on meeting the minister.
“They said someone else should come for the petition but we are not giving it to anyone apart from the regional minister. We will go back and stage another demonstration until we hand over our petition to the minister. We voted for him and he has refused to attend to us, that is total disrespect, but we shall come back for the second time,” One of the protesters, Nana Quasi-Wusu indicated.
Popular rapper, Stephen Siaw popularly known as Ayisem who participated in the demonstration indicated that the region has over the years refused to produce any proper entertainment center for programs.
He adds that the Center for National Culture which has a bigger auditorium is currently in a bad state.
“The demonstration is about Sekondi Takoradi and we are all involved. I’m here purposely for the Center for National Culture and other entertainment venues. We have no proper venues in Sekondi Takoradi to entertain our fans. We are here to present a petition to the regional minister but he has refused to attend to us so we are trying to get him to have it. If he refuses to come out, we shall go and come back later,” he added.