Essikado-Ketan MP-Elect Pledges to Prioritize Youth and Women’s Development

Professor Dr. Grace Ayensu Danquah, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, has made a strong commitment to prioritize youth and women’s development in her constituency. Her election victory is historic, breaking a 20-year hold by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the constituency, which had previously been part of the Sekondi constituency.

In an exclusive interview with 3news’ Ebenezer Atiemo after her victory thanksgiving service, Professor Ayensu expressed both gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility for her new role. Acknowledging the significance of her victory, she emphasized that addressing key developmental challenges would be her main focus as the Member of Parliament. The prominent humanitarian surgeon, educationist, and philanthropist recognized that there is much work to be done to improve the standard of living in Essikado-Ketan, particularly in the areas of education and employment for the youth.

Professor Ayensu highlighted that infrastructure development, especially in the education sector, had been neglected, and that human development in the constituency lagged behind other areas. She explained that schools in the area suffer from outdated infrastructure, contributing to the stagnation of opportunities for both youth and women. Many young people, she noted, have become disillusioned due to the lack of employment opportunities and skills development programs, which have left them idle.

Addressing these pressing challenges, she expressed her determination to revive key projects, particularly in road construction, which had been stalled under the previous administration. “When you look at our schools here, you’ll see that the infrastructure has become outdated. Moreover, human development has lagged behind compared to other constituencies, particularly in terms of job opportunities. Unfortunately, many of our youth have become idle,” she remarked.

To address this, Professor Ayensu announced plans to establish a skills training center aimed at empowering the youth. This center would complement the youth empowerment programs proposed by President-elect John Dramani Mahama, creating a platform for young people to gain practical skills that would enable them to become self-sufficient. “My goal as a Member of Parliament is to empower the youth by providing them with the necessary skills and resources to become self-sufficient. This will not only benefit them but also contribute positively to the overall development of our community,” she explained.

Furthermore, Professor Ayensu is committed to supporting education for children, particularly those from low-income families who struggle to afford school essentials. As the new school term approaches in January, she intends to provide assistance to ensure that every child, regardless of their financial background, has the materials they need to succeed academically. “I want to ensure that no child is left behind. I will provide support to school children, especially those from low-income families, so that they can attend school with the materials they need,” she stated.

Professor Ayensu also emphasized that her approach to leadership would focus on creating lasting opportunities for her constituents. As a leader, she aims to foster economic growth through youth and women’s empowerment initiatives, creating an environment where people can thrive. She noted that her approach would be inclusive, considering the needs of all sectors of the community. “I believe that as a Member of Parliament, I have a responsibility to create opportunities that will benefit my constituency. I am eager to explore various initiatives and partnerships that can bring about positive change and improvement in our community,” she said.

Her long-term vision for the constituency is to create sustainable growth that will improve the quality of life for Essikado-Ketan residents. By developing skills and providing resources for the youth, she envisions a future where the constituency’s young people are equipped to succeed in various industries, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of the region and the country. Professor Ayensu’s commitment to youth and women’s development promises to bring significant positive change to Essikado-Ketan, empowering the next generation to shape a brighter future.