Mama Atrato II, the Queen Mother of Ho-Dome in the Asogli Traditional Area, has expressed strong optimism regarding the abolition of the delegate system in Council of State elections. She believes this significant change will pave the way for the election of representatives genuinely committed to the development of the Volta Region. This reform aims to address the growing influence of money in selecting public office holders, a concern she voiced at the JoyNews' Impact Makers Foundation "Democracy Is Not for Sale" forum.
The traditional leader highlighted widespread vote buying in previous Council of State elections. Mama Atrato II hopes the new system will ensure that capable and development-oriented individuals are chosen to represent the region. She stated on Friday, July 31, that the region needs representatives who will actively lobby for its needs. The Queen Mother argued that the Volta Region has suffered due to leaders failing to champion its developmental needs.
This development fits into Ghana's broader political story of electoral reform and combating corruption. Concerns about the integrity of elections, particularly regarding financial inducements, have been a recurring theme in national discourse. The Council of State, an advisory body to the President, plays a crucial role in governance, making the selection process vital for regional and national development. Previous reports and public discussions have often touched on the need for greater transparency and accountability in such electoral processes.
Mama Atrato II's remarks followed allegations that past Council of State elections were heavily influenced by money. Drawing on her own experience as a former aspirant, she claimed delegates received financial inducements to vote for specific candidates. This practice, she alleged, made it difficult for candidates without significant financial resources to compete effectively. She further stated that this undermined the integrity of the electoral process, leading to the election of less qualified representatives for the Volta Region.
While welcoming the reforms, Mama Atrato II cautioned that eliminating the delegate structure alone might not completely eradicate vote buying. She expressed hope, however, that the changes would significantly reduce its influence. The Queen Mother linked the quality of political representation directly to the developmental challenges facing the Volta Region. She questioned whether elected representatives have done enough to improve healthcare, infrastructure, and other essential public services in the region.
She urged participants at the forum to visit the Volta Regional Hospital and municipal hospitals to understand the shortages confronting healthcare providers. Mama Atrato II commended Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North, for donating his salary towards medical equipment for the Volta Regional Hospital. She cited this as an example of leadership focused on the welfare of the people. The Queen Mother also expressed concern about the widening development gap between the Volta Region and other parts of the country.
Recalling a recent visit to Bolgatanga, she noted the significant development there compared to conditions in her own region. She lamented the limited support for healthcare professionals in the Volta Region, arguing that doctors and frontline workers often lack incentives found in other regions. Mama Atrato II urged politicians, traditional leaders, and public officials to prioritize the Volta Region's interests over personal gain. She hopes the reforms will bring credible representatives to advance the region's development.