Nat’l Tymes News Desk
MEMBER of Parliament for Ayawaso East, Lawyer Ahmed Mohammed Baba Jamal, has begun a maiden accountability tour across the NDC wards in the constituency, outlining what he says are some of the interventions and achievements recorded in his first five months in office.
The tour is also aimed at accounting to party executives and constituents for his 15-point campaign commitments made ahead of the NDC parliamentary primaries, following the sudden death of the former MP, the late Hon. Mahama Nasser Toure.
Speaking to party members during the tour, Lawyer Baba Jamal said he was determined to move Ayawaso East from what he described as a “crawling stage” to a constituency that could “walk and run” in terms of development.
He said he decided to leave his position as Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria to return home and serve the people of Ayawaso East because the constituency had been left behind for too long.
Accounting for the Common Fund:
Lawyer Baba Jamal explained that the MPs’ Common Fund was not his personal money but public funds entrusted to him to support people and communities in need.
He said the Fund covers areas including education and scholarships, health support, assistance to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), youth skills training and economic empowerment, sports and cultural activities, water and sanitation, as well as special and community self-help projects.
According to him, a number of students from Ayawaso East have already received support to continue their tertiary education, including some pursuing Master’s programmes.
He said young people interested in vocational and artisanal training would also receive support to acquire skills and establish themselves.
75% Fee Support for Law Students:
In a major education initiative, the MP disclosed that discussions with the authorities of MountCrest University College had resulted in an agreement to offer qualified students from Ayawaso East a 50 per cent reduction in fees to study law.
He said an additional 25 per cent support from his MP’s Fund would be made available to qualified beneficiaries. This, he explained, would bring the total support to 75 per cent of the fees for eligible students from the constituency.
Contribution in Parliament:
The MP also highlighted his contribution to Parliament during his first five months. He said eight Bills had been passed and were awaiting Presidential assent, with him contributing to discussions on the legislation.
Among the Bills he mentioned was the Community Sentencing Bill, which he said would help reduce pressure on the country’s prisons, as well as legislation aimed at strengthening military education in the sub-region.
He also spoke about his advocacy for the proper promotion and institutionalisation of Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations as a tourism and economic activity, referred to as “Kashi-Kashi-Kah; Shake-&-Dance.”
He appealed to Imams and Islamic scholars to support discussions on how the celebration could be developed to promote tourism and trading and generate revenue for the Municipal Assembly.
Roads and Health Projects:
On infrastructure, Lawyer Baba Jamal said efforts were underway to resurface the Nima Highway towards Ayawaso North, while work on some inner roads was also being pursued.
He disclosed that he had been gifted dental and dialysis machines by a friend for the Nima Government Polyclinic, which he described as an important intervention for residents who require dialysis and dental services.
He also said his office had supported efforts towards the reconstruction of a market at the 37 Military Hospital following a fire incident.
24-Hour Market and New SHS:
Looking ahead, the MP said designs were being developed for a modern 24-hour market with underground parking and lorry facilities, aimed at reducing congestion, particularly around the Nima area on busy market days.
He also mentioned plans for an E-Block Senior High School and the redevelopment of the old Nima CDR office into a modern shops and office complex with underground parking facilities.
He said several young people from the constituency had also secured opportunities to join various security services, although slots had already been allocated and he had to manoeuvre his way to secure a few slots for others.
“Check the Approval Letter”:
Responding to claims that the road resurfacing project had already been secured by his colleague MP in Ayawaso North, Lawyer Baba Jamal challenged his critics to check the official approval documents.
He urged residents to seek the facts before attributing projects to individuals without checking the relevant documentation.
“I Came to Serve Everybody”:
Lawyer Baba Jamal said his administration would not discriminate against residents based on their political affiliation. He said despite the political challenges he faced before the NDC primaries, his focus was now on serving the entire Ayawaso East constituency.
“I have not come to discriminate. I have come to serve the underserved people of Ayawaso East,” he told the gathering. Some ward members who attended the accountability engagement described his performance within the first five months as “better late than never.”
The MP said he would continue engaging the people at the ward level and account for his stewardship as he works to fulfil his commitments to the constituency.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
