Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has committed to donate her entire parliamentary salary to fund educational and health initiatives in her constituency.
She revealed that her salary would be dedicated to an educational fund aimed at providing scholarships and financial assistance to students in need.
She said, “I’ve told my national, regional, and constituency executives that my salary from Parliament will go into an educational fund. Even if it’s just one cedi, it can make a difference in someone’s life,” she stated.
Speaking in an interview with thenewsbulletin24.com on January 13, 2024, she shared her vision to uplift the standard of living for her people through targeted investments in key areas.
Through the Joana Foundation, she already supports over 1,200 students annually by covering tuition fees and providing scholarships. She has also stepped in to pay teachers’ salaries in schools where government funding has been delayed, ensuring that education in Amenfi Central continues uninterrupted.
“Every month, I call the chiefs and elders to distribute the funds. This way, the money is used effectively for the benefit of the students and teachers,” ” she explained.
University in Amenfi Central
To further enhance educational opportunities, Hon. Gyan Cudjoe disclosed her ambitious plan to establish a university in the constituency. The institution will focus on specialized areas such as agriculture, business administration, nursing, and teacher training, tailored to meet the region and constituency’s unique needs.
“I’m determined to make Amenfi Central a centre of excellence in agriculture,” she affirmed.
The MP drew inspiration for this initiative from her participation in agricultural conferences in Turkey, Hungary, and Russia.
According to her, the systems she observed in these countries inspired her to create a sustainable agricultural hub in Amenfi Central,” she added.
Infrastructure challenges
Hon. Gyan Cudjoe has also prioritized improving the constituency’s poor road network, which she described as a significant barrier to development.
“Good roads are essential because they are a gateway to development. When the roads are done, investors will come to farm, establish cocoa projects, and build schools. Even NGOs and embassies will be more willing to collaborate on community projects,” she said.
She revealed that even before entering politics, she financed road construction projects in Amenfi Central, despite facing resistance from local authorities.
“At the time, I wasn’t an MP. I was just a private citizen trying to help, but it became a big fight with the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE). That was when my people started encouraging me to run for office because they saw I could lobby for their needs,” she recounted.
Legacy of leadership
Beyond her political role, Hon. Gyan Cudjoe is a trailblazer in Ghana’s gold industry. As the largest licensed gold exporter and the only woman holding such a license, she has exported over $400 million worth of gold since 2019.
She believes that Ghana’s gold resources can drive national development if managed transparently. “If we leverage our gold resources wisely, we won’t need to depend on the IMF,” she emphasized.
According to the MP, Ghana’s rich gold deposits present an opportunity for economic stability and growth if properly managed. She advocated for greater transparency and accountability in the sector, particularly with institutions like the Bank of Ghana and the Minerals Commission.
As the first female MP of Amenfi Central, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe sees her work as a legacy for future generations.
“I want to be a model for others in my constituency. My success in Parliament will inspire other regions to adopt similar strategies,” she said.
With her focus on education, infrastructure, and sustainable development, Hon. Gyan Cudjoe is setting a new standard for leadership in Amenfi Central. For her constituents, her dedication represents hope and a brighter future, as she works tirelessly to transform the region into a beacon of progress and possibility.
By Osumanu Al-Hassan/thenewsbulletin24.com
