Joana Cudjoe Engages Amenfi Central Youth, Unveils 20-Year Development Roadmap

Amenfi Central Member of Parliament (MP), Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has engaged the youth and other stakeholders of Wassa Agona Amenfi on job creation, infrastructure development, and the need for a long-term development roadmap to guide the transformation of the constituency.

The engagement, held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, brought together traditional and community leaders, constituency and branch executives, elders, women, farmers, traders, professionals, workers and the youth to deliberate on the challenges confronting the constituency and explore practical solutions.

Speaking in an interview with EXPRESSNEWSGHANA via phone after the engagement, the MP described the meeting as “peaceful, honest and productive,” stressing that it created an opportunity for constituents from different political backgrounds to freely express their concerns and contribute ideas towards the development of Amenfi Central.

According to her, the engagement was deliberately organised without political barriers, allowing supporters of the NDC, NPP and other political parties, as well as residents with no political affiliation, to engage directly with their MP.

“Everyone was allowed to speak freely. Nobody’s voice was rejected because of politics. The people spoke, I listened; the people asked questions, I answered; and the people raised concerns, we discussed them,” she said.

The discussions focused on youth unemployment and job creation, education, roads and road networks, electricity, telecommunications and internet connectivity, healthcare, potable water, agriculture, security, welfare and the general wellbeing of residents.

Mrs. Gyan Cudjoe also highlighted the need for improved educational infrastructure, qualified teachers and teachers’ accommodation, student hostels, technical and vocational education and training (TVET), STEM and ICT education, as well as expanded opportunities in nursing, midwifery and tertiary education.

Healthcare also featured prominently in the discussions, with concerns raised over the need for more CHPS compounds, health centres, hospitals, medical personnel, ambulances, equipment and accommodation for health professionals.

The MP said Amenfi Central also needed stronger government institutions and improved public services, supported by adequate offices, qualified personnel, vehicles, motorbikes, equipment and other resources.

She further called for responsible mining, environmental protection, improved land administration, agricultural development and increased investment through partnerships with local and international investors.

‘32 Years of Challenges Cannot Be Solved in One Year’

Addressing concerns about the pace of development in the constituency, Mrs. Gyan Cudjoe acknowledged that many of the challenges confronting Amenfi Central had accumulated over several years and could not be resolved within a single year.

“I have been your MP for only about one year. I did not create these accumulated problems, but I accept the responsibility to work with you, government and our partners to help solve them,” she stated.

She, however, maintained that although one year might not be sufficient to transform the constituency completely, it was enough to demonstrate that meaningful change had begun.

According to the MP, within her first year in office, she had created or facilitated opportunities for more than 300 graduates and non-graduates, while supporting educational initiatives, students, women, farmers and businesses, as well as pursuing interventions in healthcare, electricity and community development.

“There is much more to do, but the work has started,” she said.

MP Proposes 13–20-Year Development Roadmap

Mrs. Gyan Cudjoe also proposed the development of a 13 to 20-year roadmap to guide the systematic transformation of Amenfi Central.

She explained that the proposal was not intended to make residents wait for decades before seeing development, but rather to establish clear short-, medium- and long-term targets that would ensure continuity and measurable progress.

“This is not 20 years of waiting. It is up to 20 years of planned building and transformation,” she emphasised.

The proposed roadmap, she said, would cover roads, employment, education, healthcare, electricity, telecommunications, water, agriculture, markets, security, government institutions, staff accommodation, responsible mining, environmental protection, housing, banking, investment, skills development and tertiary education.

“Every year must show progress. Every four years must show measurable results. This is not only about the next election. This is about the next generation,” she added.

MP Urges Residents to Verify Information

The MP also cautioned residents against relying on unverified information, rumours and political attacks circulated on social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook and WhatsApp.

She said while she welcomed genuine criticism and accountability, residents should verify information before accepting or sharing it.

“Ask for evidence. Visit the communities. Speak to beneficiaries. Look at the projects. Check the facts. Then judge by the results,” she urged.

She stressed that social media arguments could not replace practical development, noting that “rumours cannot build hospitals, insults cannot extend electricity, and misinformation cannot create jobs.”

She therefore called on residents to respond to misinformation with facts and evidence and to channel political differences towards constructive development.

‘Development Must Unite Us’

Ms. Gyan Cudjoe further appealed to residents to place the development needs of Amenfi Central above partisan political differences.

“A bad road does not ask whether you are NDC or NPP. A sick child has no political party. Poor network affects everybody. Electricity challenges affect everybody. Unemployment affects every family,” she said.

She identified poor roads, unemployment, inadequate telecommunications and electricity, weak healthcare and education infrastructure, water shortages, poverty and limited economic opportunities as common challenges that residents must collectively address.

“As Member of Parliament, I represent all the people of Amenfi Central,” she stressed.

The MP nevertheless used the occasion to invite residents who share the NDC’s vision of people-centred leadership, unity, opportunity and development to join the party and contribute to its work.

She also appealed to development partners, investors, professionals and other stakeholders to bring forward ideas, expertise and resources that could contribute to the transformation of the constituency.

Nonetheless, Mrs. Gyan Cudjoe expressed appreciation to the traditional authorities, community leaders, constituency and branch executives, elders, women, farmers, traders, professionals, workers and, particularly, the youth for their participation.

“I heard you. I listened to you. I understand you. And I am ready to work with you,” she said.

She expressed confidence that the engagement had strengthened unity among residents and renewed their commitment to working together towards the development of Wassa Agona Amenfi and the entire Amenfi Central Constituency.