Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has pledged to channel meaningful development to his paternal hometown of Tsiame and surrounding communities in the Volta Region.

Speaking at a durbar held in his honour on Thursday, April 17, 2025, Afenyo-Markin assured residents that while he continues to serve his maternal side in Effutu, Tsiame will also receive his attention and support.

“Tsiame is my hometown. That is where my father hails from. Winneba, where I represent the people in Parliament, is my mother’s side. While I continue to develop Winneba in the Effutu constituency, I assure you that Tsiame’s development is also close to my heart. I will not leave you behind,” he stated.

A major highlight of the MP’s visit was a donation of 100 sewing machines and 100 hair dryers to women’s groups in Tsiame, aimed at boosting skills development and economic empowerment.

Drawing inspiration from Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s famous 1957 Independence speech, Afenyo-Markin emphasized that the progress of Ghana must include the liberation of women from economic hardship.

“These aren’t just machines – they’re keys to self-reliance, symbols of dreams in motion, and the scaffolding for a future where women can define their own destinies,” he said.

He described the donation as a purely developmental gesture, focused on uplifting women who are the backbone of their communities. “It’s meant to light a spark of opportunity and stand beside the women who keep our communities strong.”

The lawmaker’s entry into Tsiame was met with jubilation. His convoy was flanked by a parade of motorbikes and cheering students who lined the streets to welcome him.

However, the visit sparked speculation that the Effutu MP was laying the groundwork for political ambitions in the Volta Region. Afenyo-Markin swiftly dispelled these rumours.

“I am not here to prepare myself to contest as an MP for Keta. I’m not also here to prepare myself to be an independent candidate for Keta. It will never happen,” he stated firmly. “This is simply my way of honouring my roots and giving back to the community that raised my father.”

Kwame Gakpey, MP for Keta, who accompanied Afenyo-Markin to the event, hailed the collaboration as an example of cross-party unity for national development.

“This programme is a shining example of what we can achieve when we come together—traditional authorities, government, community organizations, and the people of Tsiame, united by a shared vision,” he said. Gakpey urged beneficiaries to use the donated tools to improve their livelihoods and not to sell them.

Kenneth Ashigbey, Convener of the Media Coalition Against Galamsey, who chaired the durbar, also praised the initiative for rising above political divisions.

“Hon. Afenyo-Markin of the NPP and Hon. Gakpey of the NDC coming together is proof that development knows no party colours. Our region needs a lot of development, but it’s up to us to make it happen,” Mr Ashigbey noted.

The event concluded on a note of unity, community spirit, and renewed hope for inclusive development driven by both political cooperation and grassroots engagement.