By Isaac Nsiah Foster
Farmers in Atuna No. 1, located in the Wenchi Municipality of the Bono Region, are calling on the government to fulfill promises made to them regarding developmental projects. They have highlighted several pressing needs, including a potable water system, a health facility, school buildings, and an improved road network.
Samuel, a member of the Atuna farmers’ group, spoke to investigative broadcast journalist Isaac Nsiah Foster, emphasizing the community’s desire for its “fair share of the national cake” promised during the election campaigns. “We want the government and our Member of Parliament, Seidu Haruna, to deliver on the commitments they made to us,” Samuel stated.
Outlining the specific needs of Atuna No. 1, Bazu Kwaku, another farmer, expressed frustration over the poor road conditions and inadequate water supply. “The road network here is terrible, and our water system doesn’t meet our needs,” he said emphatically.
Kwaku further described the challenges they face in accessing education for their children. “We have to send our kids to schools in distant towns like Awisa. They go one day and refuse to go the next because of how far it is,” he explained. He added that despite presenting these issues to parliamentary candidates over the years, “none seems to solve our challenges—they all failed to deliver on their promises of constructing school blocks.”
According to the farmers, the incumbent MP, Hon. Seidu Haruna, had assured them that a school would be built in Atuna if former President Mahama won the election. “Hon. Haruna said if Mahama wins, he will build a school for us,” Kwaku disclosed, highlighting their disappointment over unmet promises.
The community remains hopeful that the government through the District Assembly will act soon to address these essential needs.