Residents of Jangbarigiyili and Gandansiya Threaten to Boycott 2024 Elections Over Development Issues
Residents of Jangbarigiyili and Gandansiya, two neighboring communities in the Central Gonja District of the Savannah Region, have issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to boycott the 2024 general elections if their urgent development needs remain unmet. The communities have expressed their frustration with the persistent lack of basic amenities and infrastructure, which they claim has left them neglected for years.
In an interview with Zaa News, Mr. Bawah, a representative of the chief of Gandansiya, voiced the grievances of the residents, stating that repeated appeals to government officials and other authorities have gone unanswered. Among their most pressing concerns are the deplorable condition of the road that links the two communities and the absence of access to potable water.
“We have been suffering in silence for too long,” lamented a visibly agitated resident. “The road is so bad that it is nearly impossible for vehicles to access our communities. In case of emergencies, it’s a nightmare to transport the sick or pregnant women to health facilities.” The resident went on to highlight that the community has no reliable source of clean drinking water, forcing them to depend on unsafe water sources that put their health at risk.
The deteriorating road conditions, coupled with the lack of clean water, are significantly impacting the daily lives of the residents, making it difficult for them to engage in economic activities or even meet basic needs. These two challenges have become the central focus of their demands, and the residents stress that unless these issues are addressed, they are prepared to follow through with their electoral boycott.
“Our patience has run out. We’ve sent letters, held meetings, and even organized petitions, but nothing changes. If they do not prioritize our needs this time, we will not vote in the 2024 elections,” another resident declared passionately. The community members see this potential boycott as their last resort to pressure the government into action, hoping that the looming election will compel authorities to listen to their pleas.
Their threat to boycott the elections underscores a broader issue facing many rural communities in the Savannah Region, where inadequate infrastructure and limited access to basic services such as clean water and decent roads have hindered development for decades. As the 2024 elections draw near, residents of Jangbarigiyili and Gandansiya are calling on the government and relevant stakeholders, including the Savannah Regional Coordinating Council and non-governmental organizations, to urgently intervene to prevent the boycott and address their longstanding concerns.
The situation has drawn the attention of civil society organizations and local leaders, who are urging the government to take immediate action to improve the living conditions in these marginalized communities. They warn that the continued neglect of rural areas could not only affect voter turnout but also undermine the trust between citizens and the government.
As the deadline for the residents’ demands approaches, it remains to be seen whether the government will respond to their calls for development. For now, the people of Jangbarigiyili and Gandansiya stand firm in their resolve: no development, no vote.
Story by Ibrahim Angaangmeni Alhassan/zaaradio.com
