In Dormaa Ahenkro, under the bright Bono sun, market woman Auntie Yaa Donkor paused mid-sale, her gaze fixed on the crowd. Word had spread fast: President John Dramani Mahama was in town. For traders like her, the visit represents more than protocol—it signals potential improvements in markets, roads, and livelihoods.
The visit marked the launch of President Mahama’s nationwide “Resetting Ghana Tour” on March 18 in the Bono Region, a two-day initiative designed to bring governance closer to citizens, foster dialogue with traditional authorities, and assess ongoing development projects.
At the Dormaa Traditional Area palace, President Mahama met Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Agyemang Badu II, Omanhene and President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, reinforcing collaboration with local leaders. The tour then moved to the site of a proposed 24-Hour Market, where the President cut the sod to commence construction. The market forms part of the Government’s 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, promising modern facilities such as storage units, banking services, transport hubs, and childcare centres. Traders affected by construction were assured priority access once completed.
Infrastructure development remained a focal point throughout the tour. The President inspected the 80-kilometre Jinijini-Sampa road, a vital artery linking cashew-producing communities to markets and the Sampa border. He also reviewed the 34-kilometre Sunyani Outer Ring Road, aimed at easing urban congestion, and visited the site of the proposed Bono Regional Airport at Nsuatre, highlighting ambitions to enhance regional connectivity and economic growth.
Education and security infrastructure were not overlooked. At Sunyani Senior High School, President Mahama inspected GETFund-supported projects, including classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, and staff housing, urging contractors to accelerate delivery. The visit to the Bono Regional Office of the National Signals Bureau emphasized the Government’s commitment to strengthening national security systems.
The tour concluded with a regional dialogue at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, where the Bono Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Addae Akwaboa, updated citizens on school feeding programs, peace, and security. The President also presented grants to 475 beneficiaries under the Adwumawura Programme, highlighting youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Across the region, the tour revealed tangible progress—roads under construction, schools expanding, markets taking shape—but also a renewed connection between leadership and everyday citizens. For market women like Auntie Yaa Donkor, the visit offered a quiet hope that promises of development will translate into better livelihoods and safer, more productive trading spaces.
