Deputy Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has reaffirmed his commitment to completing all stalled development projects in his constituency while initiating new ones to accelerate local growth.

He says the era of abandoning projects for political advantage must end, stressing that recognition or credit is secondary if development improves the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

The MP made the pledge while commissioning three legacy projects for residents of Akrade, Mangoase, and Dzidzorkofe as part of activities marking his birthday on February 14, 2026.

At Dzidzorkofe, he handed over a newly constructed three-unit Community-based Health Planning and Services compound to strengthen healthcare delivery in the area.

Describing the facility as a major intervention, Mr Ampem Nyarko explained that the project emerged from a request by residents but was expanded to deliver broader health services.

“This is a project I started from scratch and completed. When the community approached me to build a weighing shed for mothers, I decided to construct an enhanced facility that could provide more than postnatal services. In consultation with community leaders, we have finally handed over this project, and a midwife has already been posted here,” he said.

The Asuogyaman District Director of Health Services, Rebecca Bantey, described the CHPS compound as timely, noting that residents previously travelled long distances to Atimpoku or Akrade to access healthcare.

She said the facility would significantly reduce travel time for patients and improve emergency response, particularly for antenatal and maternal healthcare.

“Residents here have had to travel long distances for medical attention. With this facility now at the centre of the community, it will help cut long journeys and address emergencies, especially antenatal cases,” she stated.

Beyond healthcare, the MP also handed over a community centre to residents of Dzidzorkofe, a project he supported to completion to host social gatherings and communal events.

A resident, Gameli Amevor, told JoyNews that the MP personally supervised aspects of the project to ensure its timely completion.

“You see the concrete floor here, the MP personally took interest in the project to ensure it was completed on time. He provided all the materials needed. We are grateful because this facility will serve the community very well,” he said.

In a further push to strengthen social infrastructure, Mr Ampem Nyarko also commissioned two additional community centres at Mangoase and Akrade South. This brings the total number of projects handed over to four: three community centres and the CHPS compound at Dzidzorkofe.

Residents across the beneficiary communities expressed excitement, describing the facilities as long-awaited solutions to challenges associated with organising communal activities.

The Assembly Member for the Mangoase Electoral Area, Simon Agbetaokpor, said the new community centre would address the long-standing lack of event spaces in the area.

“For a very long time, when we had funerals or other important events, we had to rent canopies and chairs, which was a major challenge. But today we have a permanent structure with a concrete floor and shade to host all social activities. We are overwhelmed with joy,” he said.

With the commissioning coinciding with the MP’s birthday on Valentine’s Day, many residents described the projects as their biggest Valentine’s Day gift for 2026.

The atmosphere in the beneficiary communities was marked by celebration, with residents hailing the interventions as transformative for healthcare delivery and social life.

At South Senchi Akrade, Mr Ampem Nyarko also cut sod for the construction of inner roads aimed at improving transportation and boosting local economic activity. He introduced the contractor to residents and assured them he would return within a year to commission the completed roads.

The MP further revealed that major infrastructure projects are currently underway across all five senior high schools in the constituency to improve educational outcomes.

He also presented sewing machines and accessories to the first cohort of beneficiaries under the National Apprenticeship Programme as part of efforts to promote skills development and youth empowerment.

Mr Ampem Nyarko reiterated his resolve to sustain development across the constituency, insisting that governance must prioritise continuity and deliver tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.