The Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Central Tongu, Godwin Ayikpa, has hinted at leading an agenda to transform the livelihoods of constituents.

He outlined six of what he called, well-thought-through visions that cover the areas of technology, agriculture, financial support, sports, tourism, and culture which would be implemented to aid in achieving this feat.

Speaking at a media engagement, Mr. Ayikpa stressed that change is necessary for the Member of Parliament for Central Tongu, to ensure development.

The NPP led by Godwin Ayikpa seeks to wrestle the Central Tongu parliamentary seat from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The governing party is expecting to capitalize on the achievements of the Akufo-Addo-led-government to convince electorates to reject the NDC in the December general elections.

Mr. Ayikpa outlined leveraging technology, investing in large-scale farming, providing financial assistance, establishing a sports academy, and harnessing tourism potentials as the core of his visions to make the constituency economically viable.

His first vision capitalises on leveraging technology and innovation to improve livelihoods. He aims to achieve this by establishing a Jobs Centre that will advertise job opportunities for the youth.

“Additionally, discussions are underway with Technology and Innovation experts and developers to create the Central Tongu Market App, allowing the advertisement of products for sale 24/7”, he added.

Mr. Ayikpa outlined harnessing the economic potential of the district as the core of as his second vision which focuses on livelihood empowerment.

He said a Community-based Youth Farm Project would be established where funds would be provided to cultivate a minimum of five acres cassava farm in each polling station community.

He further indicated that “this initiative aims to create a cassava production base, presenting an
opportunity to attract investment for a starch factory, and a product tor the beverage producing market.”

Mr. Ayikpa also hinted at mobilising non-governmental organisations to implement capacity building programs in information technology communication, engineering, agribusiness, and robotics.

“Under this vision, other social protection programmes for women, children, physically challenged, artisans and vulnerable groups will be initiated”, he added.

Another medium the NPP Parliamentary Candidate seeks to create and share wealth in the district is through Sports development. He is envisioned to establish a Sports Academy, with a major focus on football to nurture and export talents from the district.

He said discussions are ongoing with legendary sports personalities to assistant in realizing this dream “which promises economic glory and social pride for the constituency and its youth”.

“Our traditional leaders will be engaged to agree on how to preserve our historical, cultural and naturally appealing sites that have tourism promise. The goal is to enhance and brand events like the climbing of Avakpe to attract more participants annually.

There is also the potential in developing a tourist attraction around Mafi Kumase, Mafi Mediage, Mafi Asiekpe and other communities overbank which have the Volta River as a natural resource. These sites have great scenery that can attract tourists. These dreams when fully realized will provide economic gains to the communities, district, and Ghana as a whole”, he explained.

“Central Tongu is rich in culture that comes with our various traditional dances. There are many community-based cultural and dance groups which perform only at funerals and festivals. We will create "Art and Cultural Villages", which will have facilities to allow dance groups to perform.

These groups will be assisted to practice and train so that they can perform and tell the history of our forefathers to tourist who will pay for the services at these Art and Cultural Village" facilities. This initiative will provide economic opportunities to our people and the district” he said.

Mr. Ayikpa urged the electorates to elect him to implement his vision to enhance their livelihoods.

The NDC polled 32,573 representing 88.59% in total presidential bites against the NPP’s 3,951 representing 10.75%.

In the parliamentary elections, the NDC won the seat with 30,818, while the NPP polled 5,944.