Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese and Minister of State for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has described Members of Parliament (MPs) as the most burdened actors in Ghana’s governance system.
Speaking on the pressures of political office, he explained that his experience in Parliament has revealed how much strain MPs endure from constituents, who often see them as the most accessible representatives of government.
According to him, MPs are constantly confronted with requests that range from individual assistance to demands for community development, stretching them far beyond their official responsibilities.
“I must indicate that contesting and running for MP has opened my eyes to a lot of things. I used to underestimate the kind of stress that MPs come under. Of all the actors within the governance space, perhaps MPs are the worst off”
Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State for Government Communication
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu added that the public tends to criticise legislators without appreciating the extent of the demands placed on them. In his view, while ministers, technocrats, and other officials also play critical roles in governance, MPs are directly visible in their communities and therefore bear the heaviest expectations.
He revealed that MPs are frequently approached with all kinds of personal and community requests that often stretch them beyond their capacity.
Roads for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese
Turning attention to local development, the MP assured residents of Abura Dunkwa and surrounding communities that road construction projects will soon commence.
He admitted that the district capital’s roads are in poor condition but noted that the government has outlined concrete plans to address the challenge within the year.
He revealed that work is expected to begin on a six-kilometre stretch from Asebu Junction to Abakrampa, a 4.5-kilometre section within the capital itself, and a 5.5-kilometre road “from Amosema to Adukrom.”
In addition, a 21-kilometre road linking Afengua Junction to Abura Dunkwa has been earmarked for construction. “This year, we expect that at least two or three roads will be constructed. Hopefully, by late next year, residents will see significant improvements,” he assured.
The Minister emphasised that improving infrastructure in his constituency remains a top priority, adding that he is committed to ensuring road projects long delayed under previous governments are delivered under the current administration.
Stance Against Galamsey
On the issue of illegal mining, Hon. Kwakye Ofosu declared that galamsey would not be permitted in Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese.
While acknowledging that the constituency lacks major rivers vulnerable to pollution, he stressed that any attempt to introduce illegal mining activities would be resisted. He maintained that although small streams exist in the constituency, they must be protected, and there is no evidence to suggest the area holds significant gold deposits.
His assurance comes at a time when stakeholders continue to call on the government to take tougher measures against galamsey, even as President John Dramani Mahama insists that declaring a state of emergency should be considered only as a last resort.
“It is not something that we will permit in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese constituency,” he said.
Hon. Kwakye Ofosu’s comments reflected the delicate balance MPs face between national policymaking and local demands. For him, being both a minister and a legislator highlights the competing pressures of governance, as he is tasked with articulating government communication strategies while also delivering tangible development to his constituency.
The Minister admitted that this dual responsibility adds to the burdens of public service but expressed optimism that with proper planning and government support, the expectations of his constituents can be met.
His statements underscore the broader challenges facing MPs across Ghana, who must navigate limited resources, intense scrutiny, and constant calls for accountability while playing their role in sustaining the country’s democratic governance.
As the Mahama administration continues to confront national challenges such as infrastructure deficits and the fight against galamsey, MPs like Hon. Kwakye Ofosu represent the direct link between government and citizens.
His reflections on the burdens of legislative work, combined with promises of road development and a firm stance on illegal mining, highlight the layered responsibilities carried by lawmakers in Ghana’s evolving democracy.
READ ALSO: Hong Kong Seeks New Economic Growth Engines
