By Michael Foli Jackidy
Kpando (V/R), Dec. 28, GNA – Mr Sebastian Deh, the newly elected Member of Parliament (MP) for the Kpando Constituency, has unveiled his vision to transform the constituency, focusing on three main pillars: Education and Skills Development, Agribusiness and Water and Sanitation
Speaking at a media engagement in Kpando, Mr Deh emphasised that his vision aims to address the constituency’s pressing developmental needs, with a commitment to working hard to achieve tangible results.
The first pillar of Mr. Deh’s vision centers on empowering the youth through education and skills training.
“I believe education and skills development are the bedrock of any meaningful development. My focus is to strengthen institutions and enhance the capacities of teachers and facilitators to provide quality training,” he stated.
He highlighted two key institutions in the constituency, Kpando Technical Institute and Sovie Professional Institute, as central to this initiative.
“These institutions have the potential to be transformed into centers of excellence. They are strategically positioned to train young people in technical and vocational skills, making them more employable and self-reliant,” he said.
Mr Deh noted that Kpando Technical Institute had already been upgraded from a category three technical institute to a category one, a transformation he seeks to sustain and expand.
He also plans to introduce more apprenticeship programs and modernize the infrastructure and faculty at these institutions to match global standards.
The second pillar of his vision is to harness Kpando’s natural resources, particularly its proximity to the Lake, to boost agribusiness and create jobs.
“Kpando is blessed with 21 kilometers of coastline along the Lake. This presents enormous opportunities for fishing, aquaculture, and related industries. Improving the fishing industry is one of my priorities,” Mr. Deh explained.
He also highlighted the importance of infrastructure development, particularly the improvement of roads leading to fishing hubs. “A good road network will facilitate access to markets and enhance productivity,” he added.
Mr Deh said he planned to collaborate with government agencies and development partners to implement agribusiness projects that would not only benefit fishermen but also create value chains that include fish processing and export.
His vision he noted would focus on improving water access and sanitation in the constituency, which he described as critical yet neglected areas.
“Kpando has struggled with perennial water shortages for decades. While some progress has been made, many remote communities still lack access to clean water,” he noted.
To address this, Mr Deh had already initiated projects to drill modern mechanised boreholes in underserved areas and would expand these efforts to ensure every community has access to potable water.
On sanitation, he described the current situation as “an eyesore” and pledged to channel resources toward improving waste management and public hygiene.
“Sanitation is key to public health, and I will work tirelessly to ensure Kpando becomes a clean and healthy place for its residents,” he assured.
Born into a family of 14 in Kpando Dzoanti, Mr. Deh’s journey has been one of perseverance and hard work. After completing Mawuli Secondary School, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Ghana, Legon, before embarking on a distinguished banking career that spanned 16 years.
Rising to the position of General Manager in several banks, including United Bank for Africa (UBA), Mr. Deh developed expertise in project finance and skills development. He later worked as a consultant for the Council for Technical and Vocational Education Training (COTVET) where he managed the Skills Development Fund, a challenge fund supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
In 2017, he was appointed Executive Director of COTVET, driving government policies to transform technical and vocational education in Ghana. His efforts contributed to the conversion of six polytechnics into technical universities and enhanced skills delivery across vocational institutions.
In 2017, Mr Deh transitioned to mainstream politics, contesting the parliamentary primaries in 2020. Although he did not win then, he remained actively involved in the National Democratic Congress (NDC), contributing significantly to the party’s policy development.
He was a member of the committee that drafted the ”People’s Manifesto” focusing on job creation and skills development. This role cemented his reputation as a leader who understands the intersection of education, employment, and economic growth.
He contested the primaries again and won and became the Parliamentary Candidate. In the 2024 election he won overwhelmingly, securing the Kpando parliamentary seat with 84 per cent of the vote, a significant improvement from the NDC’s 49 per cent in the previous election.
Mr Deh is optimistic that his background in finance, education, and project management will enable him to deliver on his promises.
“With the natural and human resources available in Kpando, and with the support of my government, I am confident that we can lift this constituency to new heights. My vision is not just to repair and revive but to restore Kpando’s glory and make it a model constituency,” he concluded.
Mr Deh’s comprehensive approach, rooted in practical experience and a deep understanding of his constituency’s needs, offers hope for a brighter and more prosperous future for Kpando.
GNA