E/R: Hon. Gifty Twum-Ampofo Highlights NPP Achievements in Abuakwa North, Urges Support for Bawumia in 2024

Hon. Dr. Gifty Twum-Ampofo, known as Hajia Kande and the MP for Abuakwa North in Ghana's Eastern Region, has called for reflection on past, present, and future progress as the nation approaches the 2024 general elections. Speaking at a rally in Akyem Osiem on November 1, 2024, held to welcome Second Lady H.E. Samira Bawumia, she emphasized the impact of NPP governance on local infrastructure, education, and skill development.

Reflecting on the state of education before 2016, Dr. Twum-Ampofo highlighted the challenges parents faced in affording schooling or vocational training for their children due to high costs. She credited the administration of Nana Akufo-Addo and Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia with expanding access to education, especially through the Free SHS policy, which has boosted school enrollment and literacy levels.

In addition to education, Dr. Twum-Ampofo underscored major infrastructure projects in Akyem Osiem. She cited the construction of a bridge at Kyereponmu and another at the Presbyterian School area, both funded through the “One Million Dollar per Constituency” initiative. The completion of these bridges has improved accessibility, especially for schoolchildren, and enhanced community safety. An ultramodern market square has also been constructed, bringing economic benefits to the area.

Highlighting advancements in vocational training, she commended the NPP's focus on skill development through TVET, which has equipped youth with modern training and tools at no cost. Through her own initiatives, she has used her MP's Common Fund for scholarships, providing educational support to many, particularly with the Free SHS program.

The MP also noted ongoing development projects, including the mechanized boreholes for Osiem Presbyterian and Methodist schools, school buildings, and new road infrastructure designed to safely bypass the recently constructed market.

In her speech, Dr. Twum-Ampofo criticized former President John Dramani Mahama’s stance on Free SHS, noting his calls for a “review” while highlighting his own background of benefiting from northern free education. She recalled Mahama’s struggle to manage school feeding grants, resulting in northern schools closing for months due to unpaid grants.

Dr. Twum-Ampofo urged her constituents to back Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and Nana Kwame Addo Ampaw Frempong, also known as Chief Buffalo, the NPP parliamentary candidate for Abuakwa North. She underscored the party’s commitment to the socio-economic development of the constituency and the nation.

The rally attracted numerous notable attendees, including Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong (Eastern Regional Minister), Mr. Jeff Konadu Addo (Eastern Regional NPP Chairman), Hon. Kofi Okyere Agyekum (MP for Fanteakwa South), Dr. Alhaji Umar Babs Bodinga (Municipal Chief Executive), Zongo chiefs, Islamic clergy, NPP executives, and media representatives.