The Member of Parliament (MP) for Amenfi Central, Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe, has initiated an ambitious project to construct a university in her constituency. This bold initiative aims to address the unique needs of the region while promoting sustainable development and creating opportunities for the community.
A Vision for Agricultural Excellence
Speaking in an interview with thenewsbulletin24.com in Parliament, Hon. Gyan Cudjoe revealed that agriculture would be the university’s primary focus. Inspired by agricultural conferences she attended in Turkey, Hungary, and Russia, she aims to transform Amenfi Central into a centre of excellence in agriculture.
“The systems I observed abroad, where agriculture is used to reclaim lands after mining, were incredibly inspiring. I want to replicate those ideas here in Amenfi Central to create sustainable solutions for our community,” she said.
Beyond agriculture, the university will also house faculties for business administration, nursing, and teacher training to diversify opportunities for the youth.
Project Progress and Job Creation
The MP disclosed that she has already acquired a 10-acre plot of land for the project. To kickstart construction, she established a block factory, which has already employed 30 individuals in the community.
“This project is not just about education; it’s about creating jobs and empowering the people of Amenfi Central,” she said.
Hon. Gyan Cudjoe envisions the university as a hub for community growth. Plans include building hostels and a conference centre to complement the institution and serve broader regional needs.
“I want to create a place where people don’t feel the need to leave for Accra or abroad. Instead, they can find everything they need right here in Amenfi Central,” she emphasized.
Reclaiming Mined Lands for Agriculture
A key part of the MP’s vision is linking mining with agriculture to reclaim abandoned lands and promote food security.
“After mining, we can reclaim abandoned lands and turn them into green farms. This will create jobs and ensure food security,” she stated.
She cited cocoa and palm tree plantations as examples of how reclaimed lands could produce raw materials for food processing factories, reducing reliance on imports and boosting the local economy.
“Imagine producing tin tomatoes and other processed foods locally. By taxing imported goods heavily, we can encourage the use of Ghana-made products, creating jobs and strengthening the economy,” she said.
Advocating for Specialized Education
The first female MP for Amenfi Central stressed the importance of decentralized education tailored to the strengths of individual institutions.
According to her, Ghanaian universities should specialize stating, “So if you graduate from a school known for mining, everyone should know you’re top-notch in that field. Similarly, our university will be known for excellence in agriculture.”
Hon. Gyan Cudjoe stressed the need for policies that balance economic growth with environmental sustainability, arguing that mining and agriculture are both essential.
She, however, pointed out there is a need to ensure best practices in order not to destroy the environment or pollute water bodies.
“Policies should focus on sustainable development that benefits communities,” she said.
She urged the government to invest in infrastructure and training centres to equip young people and entrepreneurs with modern techniques in small-scale mining and farming.
“Educating our small-scale miners and farmers is crucial. With the right knowledge and tools, we can achieve sustainable development while empowering our youth,” she added.
Hon. Joana Gyan Cudjoe’s university project promises to be a transformative initiative for Amenfi Central, fostering education, sustainability, and economic growth. By prioritizing agriculture and integrating it with other sectors, the MP envisions a future where the constituency becomes a model for development in Ghana.
“I am committed to creating a better future for Amenfi Central—a future where education, employment, and sustainability go hand in hand,” she said.
Source: thenewsbulletin24.com