President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accelerating development in the Volta Region.
He assured residents that major infrastructure, healthcare, education, transport and governance reforms were on course to improve livelihoods and drive economic growth.
Addressing a Citizens’ Engagement in Ho at the end of his two-day tour of the region, President Mahama said government had made significant progress in implementing key manifesto commitments despite operating without contracting new loans from the international capital market.
The President talked about the health policies, infrastructure, education, sports and recreation among other sectors.
On the proposed Keta Port, the President announced that all major preparatory processes, including the feasibility study, detailed design and Environmental Impact Assessment, had been completed and approved.
He said Cabinet had endorsed the project while more than 20 strategic investors had expressed interest in partnering with the government to develop the port.
President Mahama disclosed that government also planned to extend the Tema-Mpakadan railway line through Dawa to Keta to facilitate efficient movement of cargo between the port and other parts of the country.
On education infrastructure, President Mahama disclosed that government had secured a 300-million-dollar World Bank facility to eliminate the double-track system in Senior High Schools through the construction of 16 new schools and expansion of existing facilities.
He said the government had also approved a 500-million-dollar World Bank loan to improve feeder roads across the country, assuring the Volta Region of a fair share of the investment.
The President reiterated government’s commitment to transforming the Ho Airport into a vibrant aviation hub through a pilot training school, aircraft maintenance and repair centre, aviation support services and other commercial activities to complement passenger transport.
He also announced that work on the proposed Aflao Market would soon begin after completion of feasibility studies, land acquisition and procurement processes, while all 18 districts in the Volta Region would benefit from the 24-hour economy market initiative.
On constitutional reforms, he said Cabinet had completed its review of the Constitutional Review Committee’s recommendations and would soon inaugurate an implementation committee to develop a roadmap for the amendments.
The President stressed that his administration remained committed to accountability, insisting that corruption investigations were based solely on evidence and not political persecution.
He assured Ghanaians that any government official found to have abused public trust would equally face the law, adding that accountability remained central to reducing corruption and ensuring prudent use of public resources.
President Mahama said prudent financial management had enabled government to mobilise billions of cedis for major infrastructure projects without resorting to external commercial borrowing, citing substantial investments under the “Big Push” road programme.
He urged his ministers to remain transparent and always seek Cabinet approval on major policy decisions to safeguard public confidence.
The President maintained that his focus remained on fulfilling the mandate entrusted to him by Ghanaians within his constitutional term of office, adding that he would continue working to honour every campaign promise.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, said the region’s overwhelming support for President Mahama in the 2024 elections was inspired by his development record, the NDC manifesto and confidence that the region would receive its fair share of national development.
He outlined achievements recorded in the region, including the execution of 618 District Assembly projects, hundreds of boreholes and health facilities, ongoing GETFund projects across all public Senior High Schools, improved water supply to communities such as Anyako, Konu Sevan and ICT training for girls, decentralisation of state institutions and youth empowerment programmes.
Mr Gunu also highlighted regional initiatives including the Volta Youth Development Fund, the Water for All project, the Volta Youth in Agriculture programme and the proposed 1,500-acre industrial park at Adaklu.
Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, the Paramount Chief of Anfoega and President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, commended the President and his ministers for the development projects being undertaken in the region.
He appealed to government appointees to maintain close collaboration with traditional authorities and called for additional investments in the University of Health and Allied Sciences and the Hohoe Municipal Hospital to further strengthen healthcare and higher education in the region.
The engagement brought together students, youth groups, traditional leaders, ministers of state, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Members of Parliament, government officials and residents, providing an opportunity for government to account directly to the people on its development agenda for the Volta Region and the nation.