By Michael Foli Jackidy
Dzodze (V/R), March 23, GNA – Mr Kwame Asare Obeng, Member of Parliament (MP) of Gomoa Central, popularly known as A-Plus, has called for enhanced local collaboration and youth-driven initiatives to accelerate economic growth and development.
Speaking at the Ketu North Scholars Award ceremony in Dzodze on Sunday, he urged communities to embrace local exchange programmes as a practical alternative to international opportunities, stressing the need for knowledge-sharing, business partnerships, and collective wealth creation within the country.
“When we talk about exchange programmes, it should not always be about going abroad. We can create opportunities here in Ghana by working together across communities, sharing ideas, building businesses, and growing wealth collectively,” he said.
Mr Obeng explained that such collaboration would enable communities to maximise their comparative advantages, particularly in areas endowed with natural resources.
“If there are raw materials in the Volta Region and investors want to site factories elsewhere, we should encourage them to establish those industries where the resources are. That is how we achieve meaningful and sustainable development,” he noted.
He also outlined his vision of developing a modern city in Gomoa through industrialisation and private sector investment, adding that similar initiatives could be replicated nationwide through strategic inter-community partnerships.
On governance, Mr Obeng emphasised the importance of continuity in political leadership, urging constituents to support and retain experienced Members of Parliament to strengthen representation and influence in national decision-making.
“It is not easy to be a first-time MP. You must support your MP to grow, gain experience, and rise to leadership positions. When he succeeds, the entire constituency benefits,” he stated.
He commended Mr Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament of Ketu North, for his commitment to education and youth empowerment, particularly through the scholarship initiative.
“To support hundreds of students through scholarships is not easy. It shows true dedication to service. Leadership is not about personal gain, but about impacting lives,” he said.
Mr Obeng encouraged the youth to remain patient and continue supporting leadership efforts, expressing confidence that sustained investment in education and leadership would yield long-term benefits.
“You may not see the results immediately, but with patience and collective effort, the future of this constituency is very promising,” he added.
The Ketu North Scholars Award ceremony saw 400 students from public universities across the country benefit, as the second cohort received their awards. Mr Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament of Ketu North, initiated he scheme.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade