Correspondence from the Eastern Region

Member of Parliament (MP) for New-Juaben South in the Eastern Region, Michael Okyere Baafi, has outlined an ambitious vision to empower young people in the constituency through education, skills development, technology, and infrastructure expansion.

According to the MP, his development agenda is centered on intentional investments in human capital, social services, and infrastructure aimed at preparing the youth for opportunities in a rapidly evolving digital and technology-driven world.

Speaking in an interview, Okyere Baafi stressed that leadership must go beyond political rhetoric and focus on tangible interventions that improve the lives of the people.

“We are intentional about what we are doing. Politics without intentionality cannot bring good results. As a politician, you must fight for the interests of your people and become the principal advocate for their development,” he stated.

The legislator disclosed that one of his major priorities is creating opportunities for young people through education and professional training. He revealed that 25 students from the constituency are currently pursuing various engineering programmes at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology under his support initiative and are expected to graduate next year.

He believes the initiative will significantly contribute to the transformation of the constituency as the beneficiaries return to support local development.

Okyere Baafi said the current generation presents enormous opportunities for national growth, particularly with the rise of digital technology and artificial intelligence.

“We are now in the age of the young person. The Gen Zs and Gen Alphas control the system because they understand technology and IT. It is important that we focus our attention on helping young people develop so we can get the best from them,” he said.

He advised the youth to position themselves for the future by embracing technology, innovation, and skills training to remain relevant in the evolving global economy.

“In the world of AI and modern technology, if you do not position yourself, the world will move on and leave you behind,” he cautioned.

Beyond education, the lawmaker highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the constituency, including the construction and rehabilitation of classroom blocks, health facilities, and school parks.

He announced plans to redevelop playgrounds in basic schools across the municipality under what he described as the “New Koforidua Project,” a long-term development initiative aimed at improving recreational and educational infrastructure for children.

“When you go to many of the schools, they do not have proper parks or playing fields. We are working to change that because development must touch every aspect of the lives of the people,” he explained.

Okyere Baafi also emphasized his commitment to healthcare support, noting that he regularly assists vulnerable patients who cannot afford medical bills at the regional hospital located within his constituency.

“Whether you are from Koforidua or not, if you cannot pay your hospital bills and I am called upon to help, I will do it because it is about humanity,” he stated.

The legislator further disclosed that several development projects in the constituency have been funded personally without government support, including the acquisition of land and construction of public facilities such as the KTU Police Station and a healthcare facility at Nyamekrom.

According to him, development-oriented leadership requires sacrifice and practical commitment rather than political confrontation.

“It is not about fighting or talking. Turn the battles into development so the people can see that you are helping them,” he added.

Okyere Baafi reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining development projects in the constituency, insisting that his administration remains focused on creating opportunities that will improve livelihoods and drive long-term growth in Koforidua and the wider constituency.