A spirit of willingness and collective effort can help us realize our expectations, even if they don’t always align with our dreams. Just as the morning does not remain forever, neither does the evening. Change is constant, and so is the opportunity for progress.
Our call is rooted in positivity and a genuine desire to see our community move beyond its current state. Development is the duty of the youth in every community, not just the government. We must embrace our role as watchdogs and advocates of progress with purpose.
However, it is often difficult to distinguish between genuine calls for development and those perceived as malicious or politically motivated. Some label these efforts as mischief; others as propaganda. Meanwhile, those in leadership do not always explain delays in development but instead urge patience and continued hope in promised outcomes.
Every politically aware individual understands that calls from the people should not be dismissed. Silence from leadership may stem from ongoing processes, planning, approvals, or preparatory work—which are necessary before projects begin. These are valid reasons, but they are not always communicated effectively.
The demand for speed in development is understandable. Yet, as we call for more, we must also ask, are we recognizing the efforts already being made? Why don’t we acknowledge and encourage progress where it exists?
A strong voice calling for development must also be a fair voice, one that gives credit where it is due. Advocacy should be seen as a collective call that reflects the people’s aspirations, not an attack.
Bole, over time, has been associated with anger in public discourse, with media narratives sometimes portraying our concerns in a negative light. This history has made many cautious in expressing themselves. Even prominent individuals from Bole often say, “Please don’t drag me into trouble or subject me to insults.” This raises an important question: if calls for development are not insults, why are they perceived that way? It is time to reflect on our approach.
If we demand development, we must also acknowledge progress. Doing so reassures leaders that our intentions are constructive, not confrontational.
For instance, while some may perceive President Mahama’s pace as slow, is that entirely accurate? Certain projects require groundwork before visible progress can occur. Preparatory works on the 24-hour market site and inner roads are examples of such efforts.
There are also tangible developments:
The emerging girls’ dormitory at Bole Senior High School
Ongoing new fire service office
Ongoing work on the Wenchi–Bole–Wa road, particularly along the Banda-Nkwanta–Teselima stretch and parts of Maluwe
Progress on the Bole–Mandari–Charche road
Affordable housing projects near the mango plantation along the Kilampobile stretch
On the human resource front, progress is also evident. Individuals from Bole have participated in institutions such as EPA, the Standards Authority, Gold Board, Bank of Ghana, GNPC, and NIB. This has not only provided livelihoods but also inspired graduates to pursue opportunities they once felt were out of reach.
These developments give us reason to remain hopeful and to trust the process. We are not opponents of development; we are partners in it. We must ensure that we acknowledge the significant steps the government and President Mahama have already taken, even as we demand more.
My position is that of a citizen, not a spectator.
Bashiru Amantana