The Member of Parliament for Tarkwa Nsuaem, Hon. Issah Salifu Taylor, has held an unprecedented engagement with media houses in the constituency to discuss developmental challenges and explore practical solutions.
The meeting, held on October 18, 2025, at the Longji International Hotel in Tarkwa, brought together journalists from various outlets across the Western Region.
Describing the session as “a historic moment”, Hon. Taylor noted that it was the first time a sitting MP had met with the media in such an open forum.
“Since 1996, the Tarkwa Nsuaem seat was lost, but now we have retained it in the 2024/2025 election, which is a great achievement for the NDC,” he said. “I have been in office for nine months, and the challenges I came to meet are already being addressed with practical solutions.”
He stressed that his administration values inclusion and open communication, adding that his campaign message urged voters to choose competence over party colours.
Hon. Taylor outlined several infrastructure projects, particularly improvements to the constituency’s inner roads. He revealed that construction has already begun on key roads such as New Atuabo, awarded on contract and is expected to be completed next year.
“As a trustee member of the Gold Fields Foundation and one of the company’s directors, I’m working closely with the foundation to improve inner roads in Tarkwa Nsuaem,” he said.
The MP also expressed concern about poor network connectivity in some communities, calling it “a major problem in the 21st century.” He disclosed that he personally financed the construction of a network pole at a cost of between GH₵200,000 and GH₵300,000 to help improve access.
On youth unemployment, Hon. Taylor revealed ongoing partnerships with mining support firms such as AMF to create job opportunities.
“I have invested $60,000 to upgrade software systems that will train and employ the youth in mining-related fields. It’s better to empower them with skills than to simply give them money,” he emphasized.
He urged the media to continue their watchdog role by constructively holding leadership accountable.
“I want to encourage the media to criticise the government whenever things are not done right. As leaders, we must be open to criticism for the development of our constituency,” he said.
Addressing illegal mining, the MP called for a collective, non-partisan effort to combat the menace.
“In every mining constituency, illegal mining is an issue. It should be a national concern, not a political one. The President is also fighting it, and we must all join that effort,” he furthered.
Story by: Fati Ali Wehyemeh
