Member of Parliament for Essikado-Ketan, Joe Ghartey is highly optimistic of being re-elected by his constituents in the coming December 2020 parliamentary election. He believes the people’s choice of a parliamentary representative, undoubtedly, remains himself, as he’s proven to be a champion of change and development for the area.
Addressing journalist after an engagement with the Fijai Traditional Council, on some developmental initiatives taken since his election into office in 2005, Mr Ghartey noted with some confidence, the positive impact he’s made over the past years.
He mentioned that “the constituents will testify to the change made”.
He recounted that “there was no single road that linked Kojokrom to Essikado”, when he was elected.
“It was a footpath. Through Ex-Kuffour’s government, we managed to develop the constituency…we built schools and others. With Akufo Addo, through the one million dollar per constituency, we’re improving lives and building infrastructure” he said.
Chronicling some projects undertaken in Fijai alone since he took office in 2005, Mr Ghartey said the Fijai JHS, asphalting of the West Fijai road, continuation of the Fija-Effia Nkwanta road, renovation of a 3-unit KG block at Holy Child practice school, construction of a toilet facility, renovation of Fijai Taxi rank station, construction of culverts and drains through the community, are just a collection of some critical infrastructure that have been materialized by his effort.
A beneficiary, who is head of the Holy Child practice school, Gifty Sankah was full of praise for the support given them by the Member of Parliament. She recounted that the the 3-unit classroom block that was renovated by Mr. Ghartey, was [at the time] a hazard.
“It was a sad scene, seeing these kids in such a deplorable structure… but he quickly attended to and addressed the problem” she said.
Adding to to these, the legislator promised to construct a new Artificial Turf at the Fijai park, with funding from his allocation of the one million dollar per constituency. This project is expected to begin in the early week of March 2020.
Chief of the Fijai Traditional Area, Nana Barima Ekow Gyesa commended the MP for being responsive to the concerns of the people. He said that the legislator needs to be commended for his works, especially for the steps taken at redeveloping the Fijai park into an Astroturf.
He also promised to construct a modern market facility at the old market to facilitate trade and ultimately grant the market women some comfort in their daily activities. This project he hinted will be funded from his personal coffers. Similar projects will also be taken in Ketan, “and it will continue to other communities” he stated.