Improvement in basic education, agriculture and health were key issues tabled by candidates contesting the South-Tongu parliamentary seat in this year’s elections at a debate organised for them.

The candidates also suggested stakeholder meetings to discuss byelaws to address the challenges of the youth and parents’ interest and responsibility towards fixing poor academic performance and child welfare in the area.

The candidates are Mr Kobby Woyome for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Leonard Kwaku Klogo, New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr Richard Bedzra, the Convention People’s Party (CPP) and Klutse Kudomor, independent.

Mr Prosper Glover of the National Democratic Party of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and Mr Holy Ahiabu, Progressive People’s Party (PPP) were absent.

South-Tongu Secretariat of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) organised the debate for them.

Mr Woyome, the Member of Parliament (MP), said he would do more to improve on the wellbeing of the constituency if his mandate is renewed.

He said in addition to providing school infrastructure and free exercise books, 64 communities were provided with potable water and about 200 connected to electricity.

Mr Woyome said despite the serious land litigation problems in the area, he facilitated the entry of investors from Brazil and Thailand to invest in rice production putting large tracts of land under cultivation.

Mr Klogo said he would pursue an irrigation agenda, relying on the waters of the Volta River to expand agriculture and provide jobs.

He said he would also facilitate expansion of potable water supply to communities. Mr Kudomor, who lost the NDC primary to Mr Woyome, said he would remain loyal to the NDC and called for a rigorous family planning programme as means of controlling population sizes and related social problems.

Mr Francis Agbozo, South-Tongu District Director of the NCCE, urged all to abide by the electoral rules to ensure peaceful elections to maintain the country’s democratic record.