By Belinda Nketia
Member of Parliament for Manhyia South, Nana Agyei Baffour Awuah, is calling on Ghanaians to adopt a deeper sense of civic duty, saying national service should extend beyond the one-year mandatory requirement after tertiary education.
“In my view, at some point you must do national service, beyond the one-year mandatory national service which is required of all of us,” the MP said. “No matter how well you do in private practice, if Ghana isn’t doing well, it affects you.”
He noted that issues such as healthcare and utility challenges eventually catch up with everyone, regardless of individual progress.
“You may spend your life making money and taking your children to good schools, but if the roots aren’t strong, they affect you,” he said. “You can’t live in isolation; you must seek the interest of the country.”
For Baffour Awuah, the inspiration to serve goes beyond politics. “As a Christian, it’s a religious motivation. The Bible says to seek the well-being of the city in which you dwell because it’s good will impact you,” he explained.
Now serving in opposition, the MP said he remains committed to his constituents. “Whatever little I can do to improve lives, I will do my best. I’ll continue to hold the constituency together in unity and respect.”
He also expressed gratitude to the people of Manhyia South for electing him. “But for that opportunity, I wouldn’t be sitting here having this interview or if I did, it wouldn’t have been significant. I really thank them,” he concluded.
