The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed his current development initiatives to transform the North Tongu Constituency.
Ablakwa began by celebrating Farmers commiserating the Farmers’ Day Celebration, on Ghana’s agricultural history, and outlining key developmental strides within his constituency.
“Our farmers and our fishers continue to work very hard to keep us fed, and we have to celebrate and salute them.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP North Tongu Constituency
Ablakwa highlighted that agriculture remains the biggest employment contributor in Ghana, with more than 60% of the national workforce involved in the sector.
In his constituency alone, over 80% of people are engaged in farming and fishing, primarily along the Volta River.
Major Agricultural Initiatives in North Tongu
In addition to celebrating the farmers’ contributions, Ablakwa outlined several agricultural initiatives underway in North Tongu.
“We have a new ethanol factory coming up which will be operationalized in a month. They are almost done. They were about 95% complete when I toured the facility last week.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP North Tongu Constituency
This ethanol factory will source cassava from local farmers, creating a sustainable supply chain within the constituency.
Large tracts of land have been secured to support cassava farming, offering youth opportunities to contribute to the factory’s production needs.
Ablakwa also announced plans for a sugar processing factory, funded by Indian investors, to be established in North Tongu.
This will be Ghana’s first functional sugar processing factory, a feat Ablakwa is confident will “rescue the country” from its heavy reliance on sugar imports.
Resurrecting Juapong Textiles: A Call to Action
Currently, the factory has its electricity disconnected due to outstanding debts to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), leaving workers stranded and facing financial difficulties.
“I would respectfully plead with [the trade minister] to [redirect] those energies into reviving Juapong Textiles. He has not visited the factory since the closure. The workers are really struggling.’’
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP North Tongu Constituency
In its prime, Juapong Textiles was West Africa’s largest textile manufacturing company, employing over 3,000 people.
Now, however, only 570 staff remain as the factory continues to deteriorate.
Ablakwa lamented the failure of the government’s industrialization promises, pointing out that many factories in his constituency, including Aveyime Rice, have also collapsed.
Ablakwa urged the government to reconnect electricity and consider a payment plan, enabling the factory to restart production.
“How do you expect them to pay if they are not producing? You can agree on some payment plan, but to be so draconian and just disconnect the electricity like that, likelihoods have been destroyed. People are just languishing at home with no work.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP North Tongu Constituency
Enhancing Education in North Tongu
Ablakwa highlighted his ongoing commitment to education in his constituency, reflecting on recent interventions designed to support students and teachers.
He revealed that he had provided essential school supplies, including prospectus items, chop boxes, mattresses, and other provisions, to all Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates preparing to enter senior high school.
Ablakwa emphasized the importance of supporting the youth’s educational journey.
“It was a really good program last Friday, and we got them ready for school. I like to do these interventions; Education has been my number one priority in the constituency.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP North Tongu Constituency
Other educational initiatives include the construction of new schools, replacing blackboards with white markerboards, and providing vehicles and motorbikes for teachers and the education directorate.
Ablakwa believes these efforts are driving positive change, with academic results gradually improving in the constituency.
Empowering Artisans and Providing Vocational Tools
Beyond formal education, Ablakwa also recognized the importance of empowering local artisans.
In collaboration with Professor Nana Jane Opoku-Agyemang the running mate of the NDC Party, Ablakwa presented sewing machines, hair dryers, and laptops to artisans and final-year students.
He highlighted the value of vocational skills and expressed pride in supporting the next generation of skilled workers in North Tongu.
“We presented sewing machines, industrial sewing machines, manual sewing machines, we presented hairdryers and then the final years students for their projects, we provided laptop computers for them.’’
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP North Tongu Constituency
Support and Gratitude for Local Partners
To conclude his address, Hon. Ablakwa extended his gratitude to local partners who contributed to recent successful initiatives within North Tongu.
His appreciation extended to those who have helped implement agricultural, educational, and vocational programs that strengthen the constituency’s self-sufficiency and resilience.
Reflecting on these collaborative efforts, Ablakwa underscored his dedication to serving and uplifting his constituency.
“We continue to render service to make sure that the people are well represented and well catered for.”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa MP North Tongu Constituency
Hon. Ablakwa’s address illustrated a commitment to revitalizing local industries, strengthening educational resources, and championing sustainable agriculture in North Tongu.
He expressed optimism for the future and pride in the constituency’s achievements while reiterating his dedication to creating meaningful change for his constituents.
READ ALSO; Gloria Sarfo Vows To Keep Future Relationships Private
