MP for Lower West Akim Vows to Address Developmental Issues in Constituency after Years of Neglect by NPP
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Lower West Akim in the Eastern Region, Hon. Owen Kwame Frimpong, has pledged to tackle the rampant poverty and unemployment plaguing the constituency, which has suffered from 24 years of neglect under the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
In an exclusive interview with ExpressNewsGhana, Hon. Frimpong highlighted the persistent underdevelopment in Lower West Akim despite the NPP’s long-standing dominance.
He pointed out that, after nearly a quarter-century of NPP rule, the constituency remains one of the most deprived, with minimal progress in key areas like infrastructure, education, healthcare, and water supply.
“The constituency cannot boast of good roads, quality educational facilities, adequate drinking water, or health services,” said Frimpong. “The most alarming issue is the escalating rate of youth unemployment, which has been exacerbated by a lack of investment opportunities and the high dropout rate from schools due to a lack of employment prospects.”
Despite these challenges, Hon. Frimpong, who has been in Parliament for just over a month, emphasized that he is committed to fulfilling his campaign promises.
“I made a commitment to the people during the election, and I will not fail them. I have already begun addressing these issues before and after the elections, and I am confident that the work I have started will continue,” he affirmed.
The MP’s passion for improving the constituency stems from a deep desire to transform Lower West Akim from a state of hopelessness and deprivation into an economically prosperous constituency.
Frimpong attributes the current plight of the constituency to the disorganized leadership of the previous NPP administration, which he says imposed leaders without a clear vision.
He also expressed his determination to utilize his experience in academics, media, strategic leadership, and international connections to drive real change.
“I am committed to eliminating poverty through job creation, and I believe this can be achieved through government policies, including those advocated by President John Mahama, as well as direct investments into the constituency.”
Frimpong also criticized the lack of coordinated leadership in the constituency over the past 24 years, describing it as chaotic and stagnant.
“The social and economic conditions in the constituency have been dire. We need innovative and purposeful leadership to address these issues,” he said.
He called on the people of Lower West Akim to stand by him, pledging to challenge any further attempts to install leaders without the capacity to bring about real change.
“My goal is to restore hope and create opportunities for the people of Lower West Akim,” Frimpong concluded.
Hon Owen Frimpong also shared his 30 days experience in parliament and assured to provide quality and credible legislative debate on national issues in the august House.
According to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, the population of the Lower West Akim District (also known as West Akim Municipal) is 120,145 people, with 58,268 males and 61,877 females.
The Lower West Akim constituency shares boundaries with Denkyembour District to the North, Birim South District to the West, Suhum Municipality to the East and Upper West Akim and Nsawam-Adoagyiri Districts to the South.
The main economic activities in the Lower West Akim District include, Agriculture, the backbone of the district’s economy, with crops like cassava, yams, maize, and cocoa being cultivated. Many households engage in subsistence farming, as well as cash crop production.
Another economic activity is Trade and Commerce with a markets where local products are traded, providing a source of income for many residents. Small and medium enterprises also contribute to economic activities.
The Constituency is also noted for its Crafts and Artisanal Work where local craftspeople producing handmade goods, which contribute to the local economy and can be marketed to tourists.
These activities play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of the residents, although the district may also face challenges such as fluctuating market prices and environmental issues
Source: Felix Nyaaba// expressnewsghana.com
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