President John Dramani Mahama has outlined a series of major projects and policy initiatives aimed at transforming the Volta Region into a stronger hub for infrastructure, transport, education, healthcare and economic activity.
Addressing a Citizens’ Engagement in Ho at the end of a two-day tour of the region, President Mahama said the government was pursuing a development agenda focused on improving livelihoods while fulfilling its campaign promises.
He said significant progress had been made in implementing key commitments despite the government’s decision not to contract new loans from the international capital market.
A major focus of the President’s address was the proposed Keta Port, which he said had moved beyond the planning stage.
According to him, the feasibility study, detailed design and Environmental Impact Assessment for the project had been completed and approved, while Cabinet had also endorsed the initiative.
President Mahama disclosed that more than 20 strategic investors had expressed interest in partnering the government to develop the port.
He added that the government planned to extend the Tema-Mpakadan railway line through Dawa to Keta to facilitate the movement of cargo between the proposed port and other parts of the country.
The President also announced plans to reposition the Ho Airport as a broader aviation and commercial hub.
He said the facility would be developed to accommodate a pilot training school, an aircraft maintenance and repair centre, aviation support services and other commercial activities beyond passenger transport.
In the education sector, President Mahama said government had secured a $300 million World Bank facility to help eliminate the double-track system in Senior High Schools.
The funding, he said, would support the construction of 16 new schools and the expansion of existing facilities.
He further announced a $500 million World Bank facility for the improvement of feeder roads across the country, assuring residents of the Volta Region that the region would receive its fair share of the investment.
On economic development, the President said work on the proposed Aflao Market would soon commence following the completion of feasibility studies, land acquisition and procurement processes.
He said all 18 districts in the region would also benefit from the government’s 24-hour economy market initiative.
President Mahama also touched on constitutional reforms, saying Cabinet had completed its review of the recommendations of the Constitutional Review Committee.
He said an implementation committee would soon be inaugurated to develop a roadmap for the proposed constitutional amendments.
The President used the engagement to defend his administration’s approach to accountability and anti-corruption investigations, insisting that the process was guided by evidence rather than political considerations.
He said any government official found to have abused public trust would be held accountable, stressing that prudent management of public resources remained central to the government’s agenda.
President Mahama also said prudent financial management had enabled the government to mobilise billions of cedis for major infrastructure projects without resorting to external commercial borrowing.
He cited investments under the Big Push road programme as an example of the government’s efforts to accelerate infrastructure development.
He urged ministers and government officials to maintain transparency and seek Cabinet approval for major policy decisions in order to preserve public confidence.
The President said his administration remained focused on fulfilling the mandate given to it by Ghanaians and delivering on its campaign promises within the constitutional term.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, said the region’s strong support for President Mahama in the 2024 elections was based on his development record, the NDC manifesto and the expectation that the region would receive its fair share of national development.
He outlined several projects and programmes implemented in the region, including 618 District Assembly projects, the construction of boreholes and health facilities, ongoing GETFund projects in public Senior High Schools and improved water supply to communities including Anyako and Konu Sevan.
He also cited ICT training for girls, the decentralisation of state institutions and various youth empowerment initiatives.
Mr Gunu further highlighted the Volta Youth Development Fund, the Water for All project, the Volta Youth in Agriculture programme and plans for a proposed 1,500-acre industrial park at Adaklu.
The President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Anfoega, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, commended the government for the development projects being implemented in the region.
He urged government appointees to maintain close collaboration with traditional authorities and called for additional investment in the University of Health and Allied Sciences and the Hohoe Municipal Hospital.
The engagement brought together traditional leaders, students, youth groups, ministers, Members of Parliament, Municipal and District Chief Executives and residents, providing a platform for the government to account for its development agenda in the Volta Region.
