The National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketia, has concluded the third day of his “Thank You Tour” of the Bono East Region amid growing calls from traditional authorities and residents for concrete development action to follow the party’s electoral victory.

Mr Asiedu Nketia, popularly known as The General, toured the communities of Kajeji, Kwame Danso, Atebubu, Prang and Yeji, as part of efforts to personally thank the region for its decisive support in the 2024 general elections.

Addressing cheering supporters at various stops, the NDC Chairman described the tour as a moral obligation to the party’s grassroots.

“When people stand with you in the rain and sun to secure victory, you must return to look them in the eye and say thank you,” he said in Kwame Danso, adding that the Bono East Region’s loyalty to the NDC deserved acknowledgement beyond the ballot box.

While the public engagements were marked by celebration and party solidarity, discussions with traditional authorities took a more sober turn, as chiefs across the communities outlined long-standing development challenges.

In Atebubu and Prang, traditional leaders highlighted acute water shortages, describing a daily struggle for potable water that forces women and children to travel long distances, posing risks to health and dignity.

In Yeji, a major commercial hub along the Volta Lake, chiefs prioritised the poor state of road infrastructure, warning that deteriorating roads continue to undermine economic activity, increase the cost of goods and endanger travellers.

“The polls are closed, and you have seen our support,” said the Paramount Chief of the Yeji Traditional Council and Council of State member, Pimampim Yaw Kagbrese V. “Our vote was our promise. Now we wait for the promise of development. Our most basic need is our roads.”

Responding to the concerns, Mr Asiedu Nketia assured the chiefs and residents that their demands had been formally noted and would be forwarded to the appropriate government agencies.

“The government of President John Dramani Mahama is a listening government, and development is at the core of our agenda,” he said at a gathering in Yeji. “I have heard Nananom clearly—water for Atebubu and Prang, roads for Yeji. These are legitimate needs.”

However, he appealed for patience, noting that the administration is still in its early stages.

“We are just one year into this administration. The financial situation we inherited is difficult, but the commitment is there. The wheels of development may turn slowly, but they have begun to turn,” he added.

The Bono East leg of the tour has underscored a clear message from the grassroots: gratitude is appreciated, but expectations are firmly set on tangible development outcomes.