Saltpond Deserves Founders’ Day Celebration – MSDA Reminds Mahama of Campaign Pledge
Osagyefo Ernest De-Graft Egyir, founder of the Mfantseman-Saltpond Development Alliance (MSDA), has reminded President John Dramani Mahama of a campaign promise to celebrate Ghana’s Founders’ Day in Saltpond if the National Democratic Congress (NDC) returns to power.
According to him, the pledge—made during previous campaigns—remains unfulfilled, and Saltpond deserves recognition for its pivotal role in Ghana’s political and socio-economic history.
“Saltpond is where the United Gold Coast Convention (UGCC), Ghana’s first political party, established its first office. It was also home to the country’s first oil rig and first post office. Yet, despite this heritage, the town continues to suffer neglect, with little industrial development to show,” Osagyefo Egyir said.
He made the appeal during the maiden edition of the MSDA Homecoming Festival, which brought together indigenes and stakeholders under the theme “Reuniting Our Roots, Reimagining the Future.”
Highlighting the need for action, he stressed that historical legacies alone cannot sustain livelihoods. “History alone won’t feed our children or employ our youth,” he told reporters, urging government to designate Saltpond as host of the next Founders’ Day celebration.
Beyond the call for recognition, MSDA is pushing a development agenda aimed at tackling youth unemployment, improving infrastructure, and enhancing social services in the coastal Central Region town. Key priorities include road rehabilitation, sanitation upgrades, and the establishment of a youth welfare programme.
The alliance is also investing in critical social infrastructure, including the development of a sustainable water supply system for the Saltpond Municipal Hospital to end persistent shortages.
Osagyefo De-Graft Egyir further called on the diaspora community from Saltpond to support the transformation drive. “With unity, we will turn our challenges into engines of growth,” he said, adding that proposals for a university in Saltpond remain on the table, awaiting government partnership and timelines.
Source: NewsAfricaGhana.com
