Mr. Blessed Godsbrain Smart, popularly known as Captain Smart, a journalist with Onua TV, has declared that he intends to improve the lives of residents of the Gomoa West Constituency even before seeking election as a Member of Parliament.

He said leadership should be measured by the ability to address the needs of the people rather than by holding political office.

Captain Smart made the remarks after cutting the sod for the construction of a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound and a six-unit classroom block at Gomoa Mankessim in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region. The projects are aimed at improving access to healthcare and education in the community.

He was speaking at a durbar organised by the chiefs and people of Gomoa Mankessim in recognition of his contribution to the development of the constituency.

Captain Smart said his style of leadership would differ from that of politicians who fail to address the concerns of their constituents.

“I want to confirm to the good people of Gomoa Mankessim and Gomoa West Constituency as a whole that I will contest the Gomoa West NDC Constituency primaries. I will pick a nomination form to contest as a Parliamentary Candidate for the NDC in Gomoa West.

“But before that, I will ensure that the petty but important things needed for meaningful living are provided. I have already started providing social amenities for a good number of communities in Gomoa West.

“Most of the projects, including the construction of CHPS compounds, classroom blocks, and potable drinking water facilities, are at the completion stages.

“Gomoa West Constituency needs to be rescued from its present deprived position. In medical terms, it could be described as being in critical condition. We are far behind when it comes to human and infrastructural development.

“Gomoa West Constituency will become worthy of emulation under my tenure as Member of Parliament.”

The Chief of Gomoa Mankessim, Nana Tutu V, pledged the support of traditional leaders and residents by providing communal labour to facilitate the early completion of the CHPS compound and classroom block.

He lamented the lack of basic social amenities in the community, particularly the absence of a health facility to improve access to healthcare services.

In a subsequent interview with the media, Captain Smart also urged the incumbent Member of Parliament for Gomoa West, Richard Gyan Mensah, not to seek re-election in the upcoming NDC parliamentary primaries, expressing confidence in his own chances of securing the party’s nomination.

“I want to advise Hon. Richard Gyan Mensah not to contest in an attempt to become MP for the third time. My records, as I speak, are physically visible all over the Constituency. I have provided 48 out of 50 mechanized boreholes intended for selected communities.

The delegates have already decided, and Captain Smart has won the primaries and will eventually become the Member of Parliament for Gomoa West Constituency come 2029,” he disclosed.