Accra: Madam Elikplim Akurugu, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome-Kwabenya, has held the first ever 'State of the Constituency Address' (SOCA) at Haatso Pentecost in Accra. She assured the constituents of her commitment to advancing the development of fortunes of the constituency through advocating policies in Parliament that would positively impact the constituency. She said she would tirelessly work for the improvement of livelihoods and build a brighter future for the good people of the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, the event, which has been institutionalised as an annual event, is to create a platform allowing the MP's outfit to formally report on progress made, challenges met, and priorities for the future. The event was attended by District Chief Executives, traditional leaders, opinion leaders, constituency executives, party leaders, the public, among other stakeholders.
Madam Akurugu emphasized that, in democracy, political authority flows from the people and therefore it is both a constitutional responsibility and a moral duty to their constituents to report on their stewardship. "It reflects my commitment to open governance and ensures that the people remain informed and engaged in the decision-making process," Madam Akurugu said.
Outlining some of her development achievements in the past fifteen months, she disclosed that since assuming office, she established a fully operational constituency coordinating office to serve as a bridge between residents and her outfit. This, she said, was intended for citizens to share concerns, seek assistance and participate in discussing the development of the constituency.
In the area of education, she said she distributed over 1,400 mathematical sets to candidates preparing for the Basic Education Certificate Examination, adding that similar support was extended to WASSCE students. The MP said educational infrastructure had also been undertaken with her outfit supporting the completion of the Abokobi Senior High School project to expand access to secondary education within the constituency. Additionally, there was also a One Million Coders programme at the Taifa-Burkina Post Office.
Under healthcare, she disclosed that the Taifa Polyclinic, Abokobi Polyclinic, Adenkrebi CHPS compound and the Boi Health Centre received support for essential medical equipment and financial assistance. According to her, efforts have been made to renovate the Haatso maternity block and the completion of the outpatient department complex at Abokobi.
On infrastructure development, she indicated that through the District Road Improvement Programme, several roads across the municipality have undergone grading and reshaping to improve mobility. Furthermore, she said an engagement with the Ministry of Roads and Highways is ongoing to secure funding for the construction of St. John's, Dome, Abuom Junction, Kitase Roads within the constituency under the national Big Push programme.
Mr. Edmund Agboh, the Municipal Chief Executive of Ga East Municipal Assembly, for his part, stressed the need for people-centered leadership, stressing that governance must reflect the needs of the people.