Tension is mounting within the Talensi branch of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), especially among party members from the East, following accusations that Member of Parliament Daniel Mahama Dung diverted a proposed training college promised to Yameriga to his own residence.
The controversy erupted at a heated meeting on Sunday at Sheaga Primary School, where aggrieved party members gathered to register their displeasure. Though the MP was absent, he sent a three-member delegation led by former Sheaga Electoral Area representative, Michael Zoogah, to engage the concerned members.
Party members argued that President John Dramani Mahama had specifically promised the training college to the people of Yameriga during the 2024 campaign. They alleged that the project, originally meant for the East, had been “smartly” relocated by the MP to the Central zone, directly to his house.
According to sources at the meeting, attempts by the MP’s representatives to defend the decision did little to calm tempers. The angry members insisted the move was a betrayal and a denial of a major development project that could transform the East. The youth, in particular, vowed to take action if the decision was not reconsidered.
After long discussions, the meeting resolved to form a committee to further investigate the matter. However, the atmosphere remained tense, with lingering doubts about whether the MP’s actions truly served the interests of the people of Talensi.
MP Responds to Allegations
In an interview with Newsnetgh, MP Daniel Mahama Dung refuted claims of diverting the project for personal benefit.
He explained that his initial proposal was to convert the Yameriga E-block into a training college, but this was rejected because the structure—approved by UNDP—was designated strictly for secondary education.
He said alternative locations such as Duusi and Lamanteng were also rejected by accreditation authorities due to space limitations and lack of required staff.
Determined not to lose the opportunity for Talensi, Mr. Dung said he offered his newly built 14-bedroom hotel as a temporary campus. An accreditation team inspected the facility and approved portions of it, but advised that more classrooms were required.
To meet the standards, the MP purchased 10,000 blocks and began constructing a five-unit classroom block with eight washrooms. He revealed that the training college project is being initiated privately, not through government allocation. He pledged to donate a pickup vehicle and provide seed capital of $300,000 to support the school until the government eventually absorbs it.
Mr. Dung also dismissed rumors that he influenced the siting of a proposed 24-hour market, stressing that such decisions are made by government consultants, not MPs.
He reaffirmed his commitment to developing Talensi, adding: “This is not about personal gain. It’s about giving our children access to quality education and better opportunities.”
As investigations continue, the people of Talensi are closely watching how the dispute over the training college will unfold.