The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akuapem North, Hon. Sammy Awuku, has reaffirmed his dedication to advancing development in the constituency despite the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) loss in the recent elections.
Speaking on his vision for the constituency, Hon. Awuku highlighted key challenges, particularly in rural areas, and outlined his plans to address them.
“I’m not one of the people who believe that the MP should be the provider of everything in a constituency. However, the MP can be the train, the vehicle for facilitation in bringing that economic prosperity to the people”.
Sammy Awuku, MP for Akuapem North
Hon. Awuku emphasized the significant contribution of the remote areas to the constituency, “stating that almost 50% of the constituency are in the rural areas”.
“Sometimes you come face to face” with the “poverty” that the people are challenged with, he said, of the living conditions in these areas.
“During my campaign, I visited over 40 communities and saw firsthand the poverty and hardship that teachers and nurses endure. Some refuse postings because of inadequate infrastructure—things as simple as blenders, microwaves, and fridges to make life more comfortable”.
Sammy Awuku, MP for Akuapem North
He acknowledged the struggles faced by teachers and healthcare workers, many of whom find it difficult to accept postings in these underserved locations due to poor living conditions and lack of basic amenities.
“You come face to face with the misery that the teachers will have to go through”, he said, explaining why some professional workers posted to these places would refuse to go serve their nation.
Tackling the Issues Head On
In response to these challenges, he has engaged with the local education and health directorates to improve conditions and provide incentives for workers.
Among his initiatives are the provided motorcycles to facilitate movement for teachers and health workers in hard-to-reach areas. His description of this intervention as “the one that I’ve been able to work on”, signals several more hurdles to be overcome.
Furthermore, to support the professionals in the constituency, Hon. Awuku announced plans to set up a fund by mid-year to provide financial assistance to teachers and healthcare workers. The fund will offer credit opportunities that beneficiaries can access and repay over time.
“As an MP, I have made a firm commitment that any funds allocated for the constituency will be used solely for the people” he assured, adding “I will not take a single cedi from what is meant for them”.
This initiative aims to enhance living conditions for public service workers in the constituency by providing them with “seed money” to ensure they have the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively.
Recognizing the economic struggles of local entrepreneurs, Hon. Awuku has also partnered with the Akuapem Rural Bank to create accessible loan opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The goal is to help lift the people from the “shackles of poverty and to see prosperity as we all yearn for”. “What I decided to do was to link up with the Akuapem Rural Bank, fashion out how we can collectively take a loan,” he said.
Many traders and business owners face difficulties in securing credit due to stringent banking requirements.
“Getting access to credit is not easy. Some people need extensive collateral just to secure a loan of 1,000 cedis.
“We are decentralizing the process by involving chiefs, queen mothers, and opinion leaders to guarantee loans, ensuring that those who need financial support can access it without excessive barriers”.
Sammy Awuku, MP for Akuapem North
He also revealed that several well-wishers and private investors have shown interest in supporting this initiative to empower entrepreneurs, demonstrating confidence in his vision to uplift small businesses in the constituency.
“My goal is to connect the people to resources that will improve their lives,” he noted, stressing that the role of an MP is not to personally provide for every individual’s needs but rather to serve as a facilitator of economic prosperity in their constituency.
Despite the challenges facing Akuapem North, the MP remains optimistic about the future. He believes that with collaboration, strategic planning, and community engagement, the constituency can experience significant progress.
“This is a mission-possible” he expressed, and called on everyone to come onboard and work together to change their fortunes. “I am committed to making this vision a reality,” he affirmed.
With his focus on rural development, financial empowerment, and infrastructure improvement, Hon. Sammy Awuku positions himself as a proactive leader dedicated to the progress of Akuapem North, ready to translate these initiatives into tangible improvements.
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