Mahama Celebrates Volta Region, Promises Massive Development In Thank You Message
The President pledged to develop the regional youth resource center, which he noted had been left to deteriorate.
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In a heartfelt message during his first day ‘thank you tour’ of the Volta region on Friday, January 24, 2025, President John Dramani Mahama, acknowledged the region’s unwavering support and loyalty to his leadership and Ghana’s democratic progress.
The visit was marked by his expression of gratitude, reassurance of commitment, and recognition of the traditional authorities’ vital role in national development.
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Addressing the gathering, President Mahama extended greetings and commendations from himself, the NDC, and his administration, emphasizing the special relationship he shares with the people of the Volta Region.
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He acknowledged the presence of prominent traditional leaders, including Togbe Afede XIV, the Paramount Chief of the Asogli State, and Togbe Amenya Fiti, Paramount Chief of the Aflao Traditional Area, among others.
“It is always an immense pleasure, privilege, and honor for me to stand before you – a people whose warmth, resilience, and loyalty have been unwavering throughout the years.
“Throughout my political journey, I have seen this region as a symbol of hope, perseverance, and national pride. You have stood firm in the rain and sunshine not only as pillars of my political journey but as defenders of Ghana’s democratic progress. Your loyalty and commitment are deeply etched in my heart, and I’ll forever remain grateful to you,” President Mahama remarked.
Acknowledging the critical role of traditional rulers in Ghana’s governance and peacebuilding, President Mahama reiterated that the institution of chieftaincy in Ghana is not merely symbolic, but an enduring pillar of wisdom and guidance, “and one we must cherish and protect. I pledge that this administration led by me will continue to prioritize collaboration with our traditional authorities as partners in the development of our dear nation Ghana.”
President Mahama also acknowledged the overwhelming turnout and the citizens’ willingness to support and correct leadership when necessary,
promising not to take this partnership for granted and assuring the people of his commitment to addressing their concerns and fulfilling his promises.
Highlighting the importance of national development, President Mahama encouraged the chiefs and elders to participate in the upcoming constitutional validation conference, which he described as a crucial step in advancing Ghana’s governance framework. This gesture of appreciation underscored his respect and gratitude to the people of the Volta Region for their loyalty and support throughout his political career.
President Mahama highlighted the Volta Region’s critical role in Ghana’s political landscape and democratic progress since 1992, emphasizing that the “Volta Region has always been a beacon of support for the National Democratic Congress, my party, and indeed myself.”
He praised the immense contribution of the region to the success of the NDC and his election as President of the Republic of Ghana, describing it as a testament to the strength of the bond that exists between the party and the region.
Mahama expressed his appreciation for the trust reposed in him and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering unity and progress, assuring the people that the years of neglect and alienation from the development of the country due to their political choices will change under his administration, signalling his commitment to ensuring that the region receives its fair share of national development.
He emphasized that his administration’s agenda to reset Ghana begins in the Volta Region, symbolizing the government’s dedication to correcting past wrongs and promoting inclusivity.
The President provided updates on bold steps his government has taken since assuming office to address the nation’s challenges.
“One of our first actions was to streamline the governmental structure by reducing the number of sector ministers from 30 to 23. By doing this, we have not only reduced bureaucracy but also ensured that every ministry is aligned with the pressing needs of our people, allowing the government to prioritize education, healthcare, infrastructure, and local governance,” he stated.
Additionally, President Mahama underscored the importance of traditional leaders in local governance and community development.
“We believe that our traditional leaders must play a greater role in the local governance of this country. Development is most effective when it is community-led, and who better to guide us in this effort than our chiefs who have been custodians of our culture and progress?” he said.
Responding to concerns about regional appointments, the President emphasized his commitment to merit, competence, and regional balance in public service, assuring the Volta Region that its human resource capacity would be recognized and utilized.
“Appointments will be guided by principles of merit, competence, regional balance, gender equity, and availability to serve. I do not doubt that the people of the Volta Region possess the human resources and will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of our nation.”
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President Mahama acknowledged the infrastructural challenges in the Volta Region, particularly poor road conditions that hinder economic activity.
“The Denu road, which is a lifeline for economic activity, will be a number one priority. We understand how the poor conditions of roads have hindered trade, tourism, and mobility,” he reaffirmed.
He assured the people that his administration would uphold the constitutional mandate to ensure balanced development across all regions.
President Mahama’s visit to the Volta Region was not only a gesture of gratitude but also a declaration of his administration’s commitment to equity, inclusivity, and development.
“Our objective to reset Ghana begins here in the Volta Region – Together, we will work to correct past wrongs and work towards a future where every Ghanaian feels included and valued,” he assured.
The President acknowledged the significant role the regional airport plays in boosting trade, tourism, and mobility, emphasizing that the whole airport, which is a vital asset for the region, will be revitalized.
“We will explore how to resume commercial aviation into the airport using smaller aircraft and developing the routes.”
He further revealed a directive given to the CEO of the Ghana Airports Company to go ahead and allocate land for the establishment of a pilot training school at the Ho airport which will enable young Ghanaians interested in becoming pilots to realize their dreams.
The President pledged to develop the regional youth resource center, which he noted had been left to deteriorate.
“We will develop the regional youth resource center so that our young people can develop their talents. In Aflao, we will build a modern market to empower local businesses and boost trade with our eastern neighbor, Togo,” he affirmed.
Moreover, Mahama highlighted the urgent need to tackle sea erosion and flooding along the Volta Region’s coastline, describing the sea defense project as a lifeline for coastal communities and assuring the people that the project would be expedited to protect lives and livelihoods.
The President also addressed the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams and its devastating effects on residents, promising adequate compensation for affected individuals.
Acknowledging the current economic crisis, Mahama outlined innovative financing mechanisms to fund infrastructural projects, including the use of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and build-operate-transfer (BOT) schemes, further emphasizing the tourism prospects of the Volta Region. He noted;
“Unlike other regions scarred by illegal mining, Volta Region has some of the cleanest rivers and the freshest air. Tourism is a viable prospect for prosperity here.”
The President outlined a detailed plan to improve the region’s road network, with priority given to key roads, saying, “We intend to finish the parts of the Eastern Corridor Road that have not been engineered. Key sections such as Denu Road, Have to Hohoe, and the Dodope Street to Mpwanta section will be completed.”
He also promised the construction of the Dambai Bridge and the rehabilitation of the road from Aveyime through Kpando, adding; “We will complete the E-blocks that we started and were abandoned. The University of Health and Allied Sciences will be developed into a first-class tertiary institution – We intend to upgrade the Ho Hospital into a proper teaching hospital to improve healthcare delivery in the region.”
President John Dramani Mahama’s thank you visit to the Volta region reflects his commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the Region. From revitalizing infrastructure and tourism to empowering youth and compensating disaster victims, he reassured the people of his dedication to fostering development in the region in the coming years.
By Leo Nelson || Ghananewsonline.com.gh
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