Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Member of Parliament (MP) for Wa Central Constituency and Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, addressed constituents and media representatives at an accountability session held at the Peace Star Hotel in Wa yesterday evening. The event, attended by constituency executives, including Chairman Alhaji Issahaku Sidik Famina, assembly members, and media, detailed key interventions implemented from January to September 2025, reflecting Dr. Pelpuo’s over two-decade commitment to transformative development in Wa Central.
In a comprehensive presentation, Dr. Pelpuo outlined progress across seven thematic areas: human capital development, education, quality healthcare delivery, business support, electricity supply, water supply, and music, sports, and entertainment. “This platform is a testament to our dedication to transparency and collective progress, ensuring every investment delivers tangible benefits for Wa Central,” the Minister stated, emphasizing accountability.
In the area of human capital development, Dr. Pelpuo, leveraging his ministerial portfolio, emphasized job creation and leadership opportunities. At the Management Development and Productivity Institute (MDPI), four constituents secured high-profile roles: Director General, Board Chairman, and two consultants. Two others advanced to managerial positions at the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). Direct employments supported 14 individuals across agencies, including NADMO (2), Youth Employment Agency (YEA, 1), MASLOC (1), DRIP (1), Fair Wages and Salaries Commission (1), National Pensions Regulatory Authority (1), Ghana Shippers Authority (1), Ghana Free Zones Authority (1), Ghana Airport Company Ltd (1), the 24-hour economy initiative (3), Department of Factories Inspectorate (1), Ghana National School Feeding Program (1), and Health Finances Regulatory Authority (HEFRA, 1). High-level facilitated appointments included one Managing Director and one Deputy CEO, fostering local leadership on national platforms.
Education initiatives saw 150 tertiary students receive full or partial financial aid totaling GHS335,621.13. Eleven students secured GETFUND scholarships for local universities, while mock examinations were organized to prepare basic school students for BECE 2025. Infrastructure support included a GNPC-funded 3-unit classroom block at Wa Model School, desktop computers for Wa Senior High Technical School, and cadet uniforms for Wa Islamic Girls SHS, equipping youth with essential resources.
Quality healthcare delivery efforts covered GHS58,000 in medical bills for vulnerable residents. Contributions of cement and cash supported the ongoing maternity block construction in Duori Community, aiming to improve maternal and child health outcomes. Community support initiatives, totaling GHS212,457.35, funded a pavilion at Wa Nayiri, cement donations for projects in Kpongu, Charia, Bamahu, Nayiri, and Dondoli, and renovations at Dokpong Mosque.
To strengthen business support, 21 petty traders received GHS52,000 in grants. In music, sports, and entertainment, GHS73,000 was invested, including jersey sponsorship for Wa Power Sporting Club’s 2025/2026 Division 1 League season and support for the Upper West representative in Ghana’s Most Beautiful pageant.
Electricity supply initiatives expanded connectivity for 18 households through GHS12,500 in pole installations for national grid access. Water supply efforts advanced with four new boreholes in Sagu, Kadoli, Tanga Zu, and Nyugluu (GHS100,000), alongside repairs to 13 boreholes in Nyugluu, Gbegruu, Nyagli, Charia, and Tampieni (GHS16,600).
Dr. Pelpuo shared ambitious plans through December 2025, including completing maternity blocks in Sokpayiri, Dokpong, and Duori; establishing a CHPS compound in Nyugluu; and facilitating overseas job placements via the Ghana Work Abroad Programme under his ministry. Further priorities include an awards scheme for top professionals, partnerships for new schools and clinics, roadworks on the Danko-Sing-Boli stretch and inner-city routes, 100% electricity coverage in Seyiri, Kpankolee, Mojong, Tampieni, Bosoyiri, and Doraayiri, and collaborations with GWCL for water extensions to underserved areas.
Constituents and attendees, including assembly members and media, praised Dr. Pelpuo’s proactive leadership. As Wa Central navigates challenges like unemployment and environmental pressures, these initiatives signal a commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth.
By: Adil Fuseini