In a significant development for tertiary education in the Ashanti Region, President John Dramani Mahama’s government has officially broken ground for the construction of the Drobonso College of Health Sciences. The ceremony, held at Drobonso in the Sekyere Afram Plains District, marks the establishment of the region’s first institution dedicated solely to training medical and allied health professionals.
The event, however, has also drawn a sharp political response, with a former official from the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) using the occasion to challenge the government on a separate, long-standing promise to cocoa farmers.
A New Era for Health Education
The sod-cutting ceremony for the GETFund-financed project was performed on Saturday by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Frank Amoakohene, who represented the President. In his address, Minister Amoakohene emphasized that the college is a cornerstone of the administration’s broader strategy to expand access to higher education and build a robust healthcare workforce.
“This institution is a testament to our government’s sustained commitment to investing in quality education and strengthening Ghana’s healthcare delivery system,” Minister Amoakohene stated. He noted that the college is designed to become a centre of excellence, equipping students with the practical skills and research capabilities needed to meet the country’s evolving health demands.
The project was warmly received by the local community. Nana Dwamena Dankwah Dwebisaw, the Chief of Drobonso, commended the government for what he called a transformative intervention. He assured those gathered of the traditional council’s full support and cooperation to ensure the project’s timely completion for the benefit of future generations.
The new college is expected to not only provide educational opportunities for the youth of the Ashanti Region but also to stimulate local economic growth through job creation during its construction and operational phases. The event was attended by the Member of Parliament for the area, the District Chief Executive, a deputy administrator from GETFund, and other community leaders, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the initiative.
Opposition Figure Renews Call on Cocoa Farmers’ Debt
The celebratory atmosphere of the groundbreaking was met with a pointed political counter from Emmanuel Essel-Mills, a former Constituency Secretary for the NPP. In a statement, Mr. Essel-Mills pivoted the public discourse to the plight of cocoa farmers, directly challenging the government to fulfill a promise he attributes to former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“Pay Cocoa Farmers Nana Addo’s GHC 3,100,” Mr. Essel-Mills’ statement read, calling on the current administration to settle a purported outstanding debt to farmers. The demand brings to the fore a lingering financial commitment from the previous administration, injecting a note of political tension into the news cycle dominated by the government’s developmental project.
Analysis
The juxtaposition of these two events presents a classic political narrative. The ruling party, led by President Mahama, is actively showcasing its commitment to regional development and long-term investment in social infrastructure like the Drobonso College of Health Sciences.
Conversely, the opposition, through figures like Mr. Essel-Mills, is attempting to hold the government accountable for promises made by its predecessors, framing the issue as one of fiscal responsibility and honoring commitments to key constituencies like cocoa farmers. As the college project moves forward, the debate over the farmers’ payment is likely to persist, setting the stage for continued political dialogue in the lead-up to future elections.
