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Dome Kwabenya MP organises SOCA, updates constituents on ongoing projects
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The Member of Parliament (MP) for Dome Kwabenya, Elikplim Akurugu, on Monday, March 23, organised a state of the constituency address (SOCA) at Haatso Church of Pentecost in her constituency to brief constituents on developmental projects and policies ongoing under her leadership.
The event which brought together traditional leaders, religious leaders, assembly members, and residents within the constituency also sought to draw attention to some challenges, announce future development plans, as well as promote transparency and accountability in the constituency.
Since assuming office, she has rolled out a number of initiatives aimed at improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, sanitation, and youth development.
During the address, she outlined key interventions undertaken over the past year.
She indicated that her role in Parliament goes beyond debates, stressing that it includes contributing to national policies and ensuring that the needs of her constituents are represented.
She noted her participation in the 2026 budget discussions, where she supported policies to boost agriculture, increase local production, and reduce dependence on imports.
She highlighted her support for major legislation, including reforms in electronic financial transactions, petroleum taxation, and social protection policies to support vulnerable groups.
Touching on education, she disclosed that more than 1,400 mathematical sets were distributed to BECE candidates, while students preparing for WASSCE also received support.
The MP indicated that financial assistance was provided to over 200 students entering senior high school, alongside the distribution of exercise books and learning materials.
She added that classroom blocks have been renovated, furniture repaired, and desks supplied to reduce congestion in schools.
She noted that efforts were ongoing to complete a senior high school project within the municipality.
On healthcare, she pointed to support given to facilities such as the Tantra Hill Polyclinic and other health centres, including the provision of equipment and financial assistance.
“Work is also ongoing to operationalise a maternity block to improve maternal care” she revealed.
She further noted that sanitation efforts, including clean up exercises and waste management activities, have been intensified to promote a cleaner environment and reduce disease outbreaks.
Addressing energy and security, she explained that the Light Up the Constituency initiative has led to the installation and maintenance of streetlights in several communities to improve visibility and safety.
She added that additional streetlights have been secured for further installation.
She outlined measures taken to address water shortages, including the deployment of water tankers to affected communities.
On youth empowerment, she highlighted the introduction of an MP Soccer Festival to identify and support talented young players, some of whom have gained opportunities abroad.
She added that farmers have benefited from the distribution of fertiliser and agricultural inputs to improve productivity and food security.
She noted that apprenticeship and entrepreneurship programmes have been introduced for the youth, while financial support has been extended to women to boost their economic activities.
The MP said that support has also been provided to persons with disabilities through financial aid and essential items to improve their living conditions.
On infrastructure, she indicated that several roads are being reshaped and rehabilitated, while new ones have been awarded for construction.
She acknowledged that some projects were abandoned but mentioned that steps have been taken to secure funding and bring contractors back to site.
She reaffirmed her commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive development, adding that she will continue to advocate for policies that improve the lives of residents.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Ga East, Edmund Agbo,in his opening remarks described the event as a major step towards strengthening democracy and accountability.
He noted that the address reflects a growing culture of leaders engaging directly with the people and reporting on their stewardship.
He pointed out that the initiative is the first of its kind in the constituency and urged residents to support the MP in her development agenda.
He highlighted improvements in the national economy under President John Dramani Mahama, including a reduction in inflation, relative currency stability, and interventions across key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education.
He added that these national policies are positively impacting communities, including Dome Kwabenya.
He emphasised that leadership must reflect the needs of the people and encouraged continuous engagement between elected officials and constituents.
Ms Akurugu was elected in 2024 after a keen contest with the New Patriotic Party candidate, Mike Ocquaye Jr.
Her victory marked a shift in political leadership in the constituency.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Residents of Brodi, a farming community in the Tain District of the Bono Region, have been left in shock and mourning following the alleged murder of a 45-year-old woman by her husband, who later died by suicide.
According to information gathered by the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the suspect, popularly known as Kwabena Jack, believed to be in his 50s, allegedly attacked and killed his wife, Abena Donkor, while the couple were working on their farm on Monday, August 11, 2026.
Mr Kingsley Obah, Assembly Member for the Brodi Electoral Area, confirmed the incident to the GNA.
He explained that after news of the woman’s death spread through the community, residents launched a search for the suspect. His lifeless body was later discovered in a nearby bush on Tuesday, August 12, 2026.
Police have since conveyed both bodies to the Tain District Government Hospital, where they have been deposited for preservation and autopsy.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing. -GNA
Hawkers and roaming preachers have taken over the five-metre high Madina REDCO footbridge and adjoining streets, making it increasingly difficult for pedestrians to use the facility intended to promote safe road crossing.
The traders have virtually turned sections of the footbridge into a marketplace, displaying their wares on the floor using jute sacks, plastic sheets and metal trays, while others have occupied both sides of the walkway with their merchandise.
Foodstuffs such as okro, garden eggs, pepper, onions, dried fish, smoked fish, grains, spices and other groceries are openly sold on the footbridge and along the roadside, forcing pedestrians to weave through the crowded path.
Clothing and fashion accessories including slippers, brassieres, panties, socks, bags and other household items are also displayed for sale, leaving only limited space for commuters to use.
The situation is worsened by the presence of itinerant preachers who position themselves on the footbridge with public address systems to evangelise, drawing crowds to further obstruct pedestrian movement.
Head porters are also seen crossing the highway through the median while carrying heavy loads instead of using the footbridge, exposing themselves to the danger of being knocked down by speeding vehicles.
Also, portions of the footbridge are showing signs of deterioration. Several metal railings are rusted, bent and loosely secured with pieces of wire, raising concerns about the safety of users, especially children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Sections of the concrete surface are worn and chipped, while makeshift wooden supports attached to parts of the structure suggest temporary repairs.
After a visit by The Spectator last week, it emerged that many commuters preferred crossing the busy Madina Highway instead of using the footbridge because of the congestion created by the trading and preaching activities.
For years, successive attempts by the police, the military and the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly to address congestion around the REDCO and Zongo Junction enclave have yielded little success, with the area becoming notorious for roadside trading, indiscriminate parking and pedestrians refusing to use the footbridge.
A pedestrian, who gave her name only as Maame Yaa, described the situation as worrying, saying the footbridge, which was constructed to protect lives, had gradually lost its purpose because of the growing encroachment by traders and preachers.
According to her, many pedestrians were discouraged from using the facility because navigating through the crowded walkway had become difficult and uncomfortable.
She appealed to the La Nkwantanang Madina Municipal Assembly and other relevant authorities to intensify enforcement to prevent unauthorised trading and other activities on the footbridge and ensure it served its intended purpose of promoting pedestrian safety.
However, during the visit, personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) were seen carrying out a decongestion exercise to remove hawkers from sections of the roadside around the footbridge as part of efforts to improve public safety and ease the movement of both pedestrians and motorists.
The exercise forms part of a pilot project initiated by the Municipal Fire Commander for Madina, Division Officer II (DO II) Abdul Salia, who assumed command of the Madina Municipal Fire Station three months ago.
Speaking in an interview with The Spectator, DO II Abdulai Salia, who is also a long time resident of the community, said the month long project began on July 1 and ended on July 31, with 30 firefighters deployed daily to regulate traffic, clear hawkers from the streets and footbridge, and create access for emergency vehicles.
Continued on page 12
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
