Hon. Emmanuel Kwaku Boam, the Member of Parliament for the Pru East Constituency, has identified job creation and poverty alleviation as his top priorities, describing these challenges as the most pressing issues facing his constituents.
In an exclusive interview, the MP emphasized his commitment to an inclusive administration, encouraging open collaboration and contributions from all stakeholders to achieve these goals. Representing the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hon. Boam believes that addressing these challenges will empower individuals, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of both the constituency and the nation.
Focus on Agriculture and Tourism
To boost job creation, Hon. Boam plans to prioritize agriculture through collaborations with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and by attracting private investment in the sector. He intends to leverage the NDC's policy of establishing 60% agriculture sector start-ups across all regions to benefit Pru East.
"The presence of Lake Volta within the constituency also presents an opportunity to promote tourism, generate income, and further stimulate employment. I am confident of this based on my extensive research," Hon. Boam stated.
Empowering Small Traders to Alleviate Poverty
Recognizing the crucial role of small-scale traders, Hon. Boam is actively organizing and registering groups of vendors who sell items such as tomatoes, peppers, yams, fish, and fruits. This initiative aims to facilitate access to affordable loans from local financial institutions, enabling these traders to strengthen and expand their businesses.
The MP highlighted the initial success of this program, which he hopes to scale up. He expressed optimism that the proposed 24-hour economy policy will create even more employment opportunities within the constituency.
Addressing Security and Environmental Challenges
The MP also voiced concerns about security issues on the highways, particularly on the Mampong-Amanteng-Atebubu-Yeji road, where a concerning number of robbery cases have been reported. He is appealing to the Ministry of Highways to deploy security personnel for 24-hour patrols while actively seeking solutions at the local level.
Environmental issues, such as the pollution of rivers with plastic waste and the unhealthy practice of butchers using car tires to process meat, are also high on the MP's agenda. He is developing strategies to combat these problems to safeguard the livelihoods of fishermen and protect public health.
Advocating for Improved Healthcare and Education
Hon. Boam is advocating for the construction of a modern government hospital, even at the district level, to alleviate the strain on the Mathias Hospital, which is often overwhelmed. He also highlighted the need for expansion at the Yeji Senior High Technical School, which currently serves over 3,000 students. Furthermore, he is actively pursuing the government takeover of the Paranbo-Sawaba Community Day School to enhance educational opportunities within the constituency.
Addressing Water Scarcity and Promoting Education
Acknowledging the shortage of clean drinking water in several farming communities, Hon. Boam pledged to implement strategies to provide boreholes and address this critical need. To encourage academic excellence, he sponsored an educational quiz competition for 50 public and private junior high schools in the constituency during the recent Independence Day celebrations, awarding prizes to top performers.
Following the competition, teachers, parents, and students were given the opportunity to visit the Parliament House for an educational tour.
Call for Unity and Support
In conclusion, Hon. Emmanuel Kwaku Boam urged his constituents to remain calm, prayerful, and united in their support for his agenda, emphasizing that collective effort is crucial for realizing his vision for a prosperous Pru East Constituency.