The Minority Leader in Parliament and Member of Parliament (MP) for Effutu, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, has pledged to bring transformative development to Tsiame, his paternal ancestral hometown in the Volta Region.
His homecoming, marked by fanfare and heartfelt engagements, underscored a deep commitment to uplifting communities beyond his electoral boundaries.
Ancestral homecoming draws hundreds
The visit, which drew hundreds of residents from Tsiame and surrounding communities in the Keta Municipality, was held in honour of Mr. Afenyo-Markin and aimed at empowering women in business.
Excitement and warmth filled the air as throngs of people gathered to welcome one of their own, who has gained national prominence.
Addressing a durbar held in his honour, Mr. Afenyo-Markin remarked that the event’s turnout was not just a show of affection but a testament to the trust and expectations the people had in him.
“My visit to Tsiame is significant not only for the community but also for the country,” he said.
“It highlights the importance of community engagement and the role that prominent individuals can play in promoting development and progress,” he added.
100 sewing machines, 100 hair dryers donation
As part of his support for women’s empowerment, the Minority Leader donated 100 sewing machines and 100 hair dryers, valued at thousands of Ghana cedis, to women’s groups in the area.
The donation, he explained, was rooted in his belief that economic freedom for women is central to the broader development agenda of Ghana.
“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 destiny,” Mr. Afenyo-Markin said.
He noted that empowering women was the first step toward building a resilient community.
Drawing inspiration from Ghana’s first president, he added, “The progress of Tsiame, and indeed of Ghana, is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of our women from the burdens of economic hardships.”
No political ambitions for Keta, just development
Amid speculation about a political motive behind his visit, the MP swiftly addressed and dismissed any such notions. “I am not here to prepare myself to contest as an MP for Keta. It will never happen,” he said emphatically.
“Tsiame is my hometown. That is where my father hails from. Winneba, where I represent the people, 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.”
His remarks drew applause from the audience and reassured many that his commitment to the Volta Region was based on genuine love and personal heritage.
Praise and solidarity from fellow lawmakers
The MP for Keta, Mr. Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpe, also present at the ceremony, expressed his gratitude for the donations and support Mr. Afenyo-Markin had extended to the community.
He noted that the gesture would complement ongoing apprenticeship programmes in the area and called on other MPs to follow suit.
“We need more of this kind of leadership — one that cuts across party lines for the good of the people,” Mr. Gakpe said.
Local leaders and residents laud the initiative
Mr. Bernard Suka, a former Assembly Member for Tsiame and Deputy NPP Constituency Secretary for Keta, lauded the Minority Leader’s dedication to service and upliftment of the community.
“The people of Tsiame are proud of Afenyo-Markin’s accomplishments. He is not just a politician; he is a role model and an inspiration for our youth,” he said.
A model for unity and purpose
Chairing the occasion was Ing. Kenneth Ashigbey, CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, who commended the initiative as one that transcends politics.
“Afenyo-Markin of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and Gakpe of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) coming together is proof that development knows no party colours. Our region needs a lot of development, and it’s time we did it ourselves,” he noted.
A call to sustain the momentum
Mr. Afenyo-Markin’s visit may have lasted a day, but its impact will be felt for years to come.
With his pledge to replicate the developmental successes of Effutu in Tsiame, residents are hopeful that the spark lit by this homecoming will grow into a flame of sustained progress.
“I am here for no political gains — just to honour my father’s memory and contribute to the wellbeing of my people,” Afenyo-Markin concluded.
As the drums faded and the crowds dispersed, one thing was clear: this was more than just a visit — it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when leadership meets love for community.
Residents, especially female beneficiaries of the donated items, expressed their gratitude and promised to use the equipment for its intended purpose — to build small businesses and support their families
