For me, representing Builsa North has always meant more than speaking for our people in Parliament. It also means paying attention to the institutions within our constituency that serve them every day and, where possible, helping those institutions acquire the tools they need to do their work effectively.
That was the thinking behind my support to two important institutions in Sandema: the 12th Mechanized Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces and the College of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Sciences.
In December 2025, I presented 15 desktop computers and a range of medical and training equipment to these institutions, with the support valued at more than GH¢430,000 and funded through my share of the District Assemblies Common Fund.
Supporting Those Who Protect Our Communities
Five of the desktop computers were presented to the 12th Mechanized Battalion of the Ghana Armed Forces to strengthen its administrative and operational support systems.
Living in the Upper East Region gives us a particular appreciation of the importance of security. Our location and proximity to international borders mean that effective coordination, communication and preparedness by our security institutions are matters that deserve continuous attention.
I have spent a significant part of my public service working on matters relating to defence, interior and national security. That experience has reinforced my belief that national security does not begin and end at the national headquarters of our security agencies. It also depends on the capacity of personnel working within our regions, districts and border communities.
Technology has become an essential part of modern security administration. Providing computers to the Battalion was therefore a practical contribution towards improving its administrative capacity, communication and coordination.
Captain Kenneth Dwomoh Kwofie, Second-in-Command of the 12th Mechanized Battalion, received the equipment on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces and indicated that the computers would be deployed to improve the Battalion’s administrative and communication systems.
Investing in the Future of Healthcare
The second part of the intervention was particularly important to me because it concerned the training of the health professionals who will care for our people in the years ahead.
The College of Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Sciences in Sandema received 10 desktop computers, together with an examination couch, wheelchair, stethoscopes, walkers, examination beds, sphygmomanometers, thermometers, bedside lockers, hospital beds, intravenous stands and screens.
These are practical teaching and training resources.
A nursing or health training institution cannot fulfil its purpose through classroom instruction alone. Students need appropriate equipment with which to learn, practise and develop the professional competencies they will eventually apply in hospitals, clinics and communities.
Supporting the College is therefore not only an investment in an institution. It is an investment in the young men and women being trained there and, ultimately, in the patients and communities they will serve.
The Acting Principal of the College, Dr Jerry John Amaasende Akooti, described the intervention as timely and indicated that the equipment would be used for the benefit of students.
Strong Institutions, Stronger Communities
There is a connection between these two interventions that is important to me.
One institution contributes to protecting our people and maintaining security. The other trains professionals who will protect health and save lives.
Both are essential to the development of Builsa North.
I believe constituency development should therefore go beyond individual projects. We must also strengthen the institutions upon which our communities depend.
When our security services have the tools they require, they are better positioned to serve our communities.
When our training institutions have appropriate teaching equipment, they are better positioned to prepare competent professionals.
And when our local institutions become stronger, the entire constituency benefits.
My responsibility as Member of Parliament has always been to listen to the needs of our communities and institutions and to use the opportunities available to me to support practical solutions.
This intervention was one contribution towards that objective.
Builsa North has institutions with dedicated men and women working every day for our collective wellbeing. They deserve our support, and I remain committed to working with them in the service of our people.