By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Penyi (V/R), Oct. 20, GNA – Mr Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament (MP) of Ketu North, has held his third-quarter accountability series with his constituents at Penyi, to present a report on his stewardship and provide updates on government and constituency projects.
The event, held on October 19th formed part of Mr Agbana’s Quarterly Accountability Series, a transparency and governance initiative outlined in the Ketu North Manifesto.
The series evolved from his earlier monthly “Edem Agbana Speaks” radio programme into a quarterly public engagement platform, designed to deepen accountability, strengthen community participation, and promote open and people-centred leadership.
Mr Agbana began by sharing updates on national initiatives under the President’s 24-Hour Economy policy, highlighting pilot implementations such as the round-the-clock services at the DVLA, Passport Office, and GIPC.
He said 23,000 security personnel had been trained, and incentives for night-shift workers had been introduced.
He added that under the ongoing education reforms, government had implemented a “No Academic Fee” policy for first-year students, funded with GH¢452.9 million through the GETFund “No Fees Stress” portal, and the roll out Free Tertiary for Persons Living With Disability in August.
Other national initiatives include the Mahama Cares Fund for chronic illness support, Free Sanitary Pads Programme benefiting about six million schoolgirls, youth employment programmes such as Adwumawura and One Million Coders, and the establishment of a Women’s Development Bank with GH¢51.3 million seed capital.
He said regarding environmental protection, there was the enforcement of the ban on illegal mining in forest reserves, the recovery of seven out of nine affected reserves, and the launch of the Tree for Life and Blue Water initiatives.
He further disclosed that the Ghana cedi had appreciated from GH¢14.71 to GH¢11.45 per USD – the strongest transition performance since 2007.
Reporting on developments within the Ketu North, the MP highlighted several completed and ongoing projects across key sectors:
Mr Agbana launched the Edem Agbana Scholarship Scheme, supporting over 420 tertiary students with GH¢1.3 million, including 22 students with disabilities and 25 young women in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
He donated laptops to students, provided 2019 iMac desktop computers to educational institutions, and pledged 50 per cent of his salary to sustain the scheme.
Other interventions included the MP’s Special Education Awards, donation of 50 computers to Dzodze Senior High School (DZOSEC), completion of the DZOSEC infirmary started by Dr James Klutse Avedzi, and distribution of 900 school desks to basic schools in collaboration with Dr Avedzi.
He also facilitated a Girls in ICT programme under the Ministry of Communications and partnered with the Adenta Central Rotaract Club to establish an ICT lab and library at Kuli Dzogbefuime Basic School.
He announced progress on the stalled DZOSEC Clinic project, donation of delivery beds and medical supplies to Ative Community-Based Health Planning Services (CHPS) compound and Tadzewu Clinic, and free eye screening exercises across 30 communities.
Additionally, several communities had benefited from mechanised boreholes and water tanks.
Mr Agbana cited the establishment of the first-ever District EPA Office in Dzodze, the Green Ketu North Project which planted over 10,000 trees, and ongoing dredging of Weta farm canals, while the constituency was engaging foreign embassies and partners to modernise farming practices through technology and irrigation initiatives.
He announced the Light Up Ketu North Project, under which streetlights had been installed along the Dzodze–Penyi–Zukpe, Dzodze–Kave Junction, and other stretches.
Road construction works have also commenced on the Dzodze–Penyi and Ho–Denu roads. Kuli–Dzodze stretch, with competitive bidding ongoing for Akanu Town roads.
Through his ‘Edempower 500 Programme,’ the MP seeks to train 500 youths annually in technical and vocational skills.
He said his office had facilitated employment for constituents at institutions such as the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority and EPA, and secured opportunities for training abroad in South Africa, China, India, and Russia.
He announced plans for a Ketu North Job Centre, Agblenyo (Youth in Agriculture) Project and new facilities for Afife Senior High Technical School, including a two-storey dormitory, administration block, library, and a 12-seater toilet.
Rev. Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), commended the MP for fostering a strong working relationship between his office and the Assembly.
He said the collaboration had made it easier to attract development projects to Ketu North, describing it as a model of effective partnership between an MP and an MCE.
Rev. Amenaki outlined key projects funded under the District Assembly Common Fund, including CHPS compounds at Adzoatsi and Kutsinu-Wuti, a modern KG block at Dzodze-Fiagbedu, and a six-unit classroom block at Tadzewu Law Memorial EP Basic School.
He further mentioned efforts to complete legacy projects at Kuli and Penyi-Adidoglinya, market renovations at Penyi and Dzodze, and plans to revive the ECOWAS Market Project at Akanu under a public-private partnership.
The MCE also acknowledged support from the NGO ‘Meaningful Life’, which has provided boreholes for several communities, and expressed gratitude to constituents for their cooperation.
Torgbui Dadzi V, Paramount Chief of the Penyi Traditional Area, speaking on behalf of the chiefs and people, commended the MP and the MCE for their accountability and dedication.
“In just six months, we are truly overwhelmed by the good works the MP has started. We can confidently say that we have an MP who is delivering on his promises,” Torgbui Dadzi said, praying for strength and wisdom for Mr Agbana to continue his service to the people.
The event also featured an interactive session where participants, including community members, party executives, government officials, and security personnel, asked questions and sought clarifications on development issues.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo