GENERAL NEWS

‘Illiterate’ Akwatia MP shares her emotional experience on her first day in Parliament

What may appear elitist and impossible for the man on the street became a reality when Mercy Adu Gyamfi, a hairdresser, was voted as Member of Parliament to represent the people of Akwatia.

The MP who is unable to speak the Queen’s language like most of her colleagues said she “wept” the first day she walked into the chamber.

“I never imagined an illiterate like me will have such an opportunity so I cried when I entered Parliament,” she said on Asempa FM on Wednesday, May 27.

Popularly called Ama Sey, the MP beat the incumbent Baba Jamal in the 2016 parliamentary election and earned designation “Honourable”.

In the Ghanaian context, this is a big deal despite the irony of it all.

Many were both shocked and amazed after the underdog and political neophyte thwarted the Parliamentary ambition of Baba Jamal, a popular NDC strategist cum organiser.

Ama Sey said that being in the august house of Parliament has shown her that the work of the parliamentarian goes beyond speaking English.

She indicated that her constituents elected her because “they believe I represent their best interests in Accra” and she will at all cost champion the development of her people.

Ama Sey said she has been able to transform her constituency.

“I have been able to connect electricity to 22 communities, lobbied for roads, social amenities and improved infrastructure at Akwatia.

“I have been humiliated for not going to school so I am investing heavily in education so that all the children will go to school,” she said.

In Ghana, one does not need a formal education to become a Parliamentary candidate and about 85 per cent of persons 15 years and older are illiterate in English.

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. In addition to his media ventures, Solomon serves as a Brand Ambassador for Alabuga, a prominent Russian industrial company, representing their interests and expansion across Africa. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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