One Year in Parliament: Sissala East MP Mohammed Bataglia Vows to Restore Hope and Drive Development
The Member of Parliament (MP) for Sissala East Constituency in the Upper West Region, Hon. Mohammed Isaiah Bataglia, says he is determined to restore hope among his constituents by championing education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic empowerment.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with EXPRESSNEWSGHANA to mark his first year in Parliament, the first-time legislator acknowledged the challenges of transitioning from community advocacy into national lawmaking but stressed his resolve to deliver tangible development to his people.
Hon. Bataglia, who was elected on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), won the Sissala East parliamentary seat in the December 7, 2024 general election after defeating the incumbent MP, Alhaji Issaku Chinnia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
According to the official results declared by the Electoral Commission, Bataglia secured 21,621 votes, representing approximately 66.71 percent of valid votes cast, while Alhaji Chinnia obtained 10,789 votes, representing about 33. 29 percent.
Reflecting on his first year in the House, the MP described Parliament as a structured and hierarchical institution that requires discipline and adherence to party positions, but noted that individual legislators must still identify their strengths and use them to advocate effectively for their constituencies.
Having lived most of his life in Tumu, the constituency capital, Bataglia said his close connection with the people shapes his priorities.
Before entering politics, he worked for 15 years with Petu Foundation, an NGO headquartered in New York, focusing on healthcare delivery in rural communities.
Through partnerships with engineers from Boston-based IMT, he helped introduce tricycle ambulances to improve emergency healthcare access in remote areas.
He believes health and education are deeply interconnected and has therefore prioritized educational support.
Over the past year, he instituted the Battaglia Educational Support System (BEST), under which he has committed GH¢400,000 to support 291 students across various levels of education.
Students pursuing science-related courses receive enhanced support due to the higher cost of their programmes.
In addition, he has facilitated support for more than 30 other students through partnerships and appeals to corporate and institutional bodies.
He also disclosed ongoing efforts to construct new school facilities in parts of the constituency, including Tassau, following engagements with the Minister for Education.
On economic development, the MP expressed concern about the constituency’s reliance on rain-fed agriculture, which leaves many young people unemployed during the dry season.
He revealed that funding has been sourced from France to construct a dam to support dry-season farming and livestock production, particularly for women, as part of efforts to reduce youth migration and engagement in illegal mining activities.
Hon. Bataglia said his broader vision is to build a resilient local economy, improve road networks and strengthen youth employment opportunities.
He also underscored the importance of honesty in leadership, stressing that he wants to leave a legacy of integrity and restore public trust in political office holders.
“I want to give leadership of honesty,” he said. “Whatever I say, I try as much as possible to follow through. We must bring back the hope that politicians can be trusted.”
Looking ahead to the remainder of his four-year mandate, the MP said he envisions visible transformation in infrastructure, including improved roads and modern traffic systems in the constituency.
Despite acknowledging the difficulties that come with governance, Hon. Bataglia remains optimistic that with resilience, collaboration and transparency, Sissala East can experience meaningful and sustainable development.
Source: Felix Nyaaba/expressnewsghana.com
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