Accra: Mr Ben-Habib Sikiru Abibu, known as Siki Abibu, has been appointed as the new Volta Regional Political Coordinator by the Office of the President. The role positions Mr Abibu as a crucial liaison figure between the government, the presidency, and the Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC).
According to Ghana News Agency, the appointment empowers Mr Abibu to act as the primary political representative in the Volta region, enhancing relationships among key development stakeholders and bringing governance closer to the populace. Mr Abibu will leverage his expertise to engage traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, civic society entities, and communities on government policies, plans, and programmes. His role also involves managing tensions or conflicts in the region with support from state security agencies and the VRCC.
In his capacity as the Volta Regional Organiser of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Abibu will report directly to the Volta Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu, and to the Office of the President through the Secretary to the President. His responsibilities include coordinating activities of Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs) and other political appointees to achieve President John Mahama's agenda, particularly the 24-Hour Economy initiative.
Mr Abibu is tasked with assessing the performance of political appointees and monitoring government flagship programmes in the region. In his statement to the Ghana News Agency, he expressed gratitude to President Mahama for entrusting him with the appointment and vowed to serve diligently.
Addressing specific regional concerns, Mr Abibu prioritized resolving grievances raised by the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, led by Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, regarding unauthorized checkpoints and inhumane searches conducted on citizens. He highlighted the issue of unapproved checkpoints, particularly between Aflao and Sogakope, and emphasized the need to dismantle these barriers in favor of strengthening accredited ones to prevent extortion and harassment of citizens.
