President John Dramani Mahama, has reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to prioritising development in the Volta Region.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Volta Regional House of Chiefs at the Jubilee House, the President emphasised his administration’s dedication to inclusive governance and tangible results that address the aspirations of all Ghanaians, particularly those in the Volta Region.
“It gives me great pleasure to join you today at the presidency and share some of the progress we have made since my recent thank-you tour of the Volta region.
“During that memorable visit, which was the first stop on my journey of gratitude, I witnessed the spirit of resilience and the aspirations of the people of the Volta Region. I promised that your voices, concerns, and ideas would be central to our national agenda. I wish to reaffirm that commitment to you today.”
The President noted that since the start of his new administration, efforts have been made to include citizens from the Volta Region in key positions of leadership. This, he said, ensures that their perspectives help shape national policy and steer Ghana’s collective destiny.
He pointed to early signs of economic recovery under his government, citing the stabilisation of the Ghanaian cedi, declining inflation, and fuel prices as indicators of a return to macroeconomic stability.
“We inherited an economy in crisis. A primary balance that was negative 3.4%, inflation at almost 24%, the cedi hovering at nearly GHS16 to the dollar, and a general debt burden that was unsustainable.”
Mahama explained that through prudent fiscal management and discipline, the economy had begun to recover. “By the grace of God and by good management, we have brought these under control,” the President said.
He added that multilateral institutions have responded positively, with revised projections putting Ghana’s GDP growth at 6.2%—up from an initial 4%. The Bank of Ghana’s decision to cut the monetary policy rate by 300 basis points, from 28% to 25%, was also cited as a sign of renewed investor confidence.
“We’re already achieving a positive primary balance, and inflation is currently down to 13.2%. We anticipate that by the end of the year, it will hit single digits.”
Driving Educational Reforms and Major Infrastructure Boost:
Addressing the educational sector, President Mahama referenced the recently held national education forum, which he described as a critical step in revitalising the sector. “Education reforms—from enhanced facilities to modernised curricula—remain a cornerstone of our development agenda,” he said.
He noted that improvements had already taken effect, including the full payment of capitation grants to basic schools and the establishment of dedicated funding for the school feeding programme. “The quality of food in our secondary schools has remarkably improved, and schools now have access to timely funds for the Free SHS programme,” the President noted.
He also updated the chiefs on infrastructure projects in the Volta Region, reiterating commitments made during his tour, such as the completion of the Eastern Corridor Road and the reconstruction of the Ho-Denu Road.
“These have all been earmarked in the mid-year budget under our Big Push programme, which seeks to invest about $10 billion in infrastructure development over the next five years.’
In addition, he confirmed that other roads not listed in the Big Push initiative would be tackled under the 10-kilometre-per-constituency road reconstruction project.
“Every year, we’ll reconstruct 10 kilometres of roads across 166 constituencies,” President Mahama stated, while pledging that these projects would commence promptly to ensure completion during his tenure.
A major highlight of the President’s remarks was the Blekusu Sea Defence Project. Describing it as one of his first visits after assuming office, he noted the dire impact of tidal waves on communities like Agavedzi.
“I’m happy to report to you that work is currently ongoing. The sea has been pushed back, and the groynes are being installed,” he said. He added that additional protection along the coastline, from Blekusu to Aflao, would be undertaken under the World Bank’s West Africa Coastal Areas (WACA) project.
On the underutilised Ho Airport, President Mahama said efforts were underway to repurpose the facility. “We have endorsed the initiative to open a pilot training school there and have asked the Ghana Airport Company to release 10 acres of land for this purpose,” he said. Plans are also in motion to establish a maintenance and repair hub at the airport for aircraft servicing.
Volta Share in Feed Ghana Project:
The President highlighted the Volta Region’s role in the Feed Ghana project, pointing to the region’s favourable environment for agriculture and agribusiness. “We see the Volta Region as a hub for agribusiness, where produce can be processed for both local consumption and export, citing the Volta Palm Project as a key beneficiary of the government’s initiative to establish 200,000 hectares of oil palm plantations, supported by funding from the African Development Bank.
Further addressing economic inclusion, President Mahama announced that under the Markets Enhancement Programme spearheaded by Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, several markets across the country would be reconstructed, including the Aflao-Asigame Market. “This market will enhance cross-border trade with our neighbours in Togo,” he stated.
Turning to the institution of chieftaincy, the President affirmed his belief in the critical role traditional leaders play in national development. “Traditional leaders are pivotal in mediating community affairs and fostering development,” he said.
He assured the House of Chiefs that funding would be allocated to build capacity through workshops, seminars, and training on customary law, civic engagement, and statutory roles.
He also welcomed the ongoing constitutional review process and expressed hope that the views of traditional leaders would be integrated to enhance their authority, especially in environmental protection and sanitation.
Security, Higher Education and Healthcare Boost:
On security concerns, he acknowledged complaints regarding the inland immigration post at Asikuma, the Sogakope checkpoint, and the military-police barrier. He promised that these long-standing issues would be reviewed “urgently” to balance national security with economic and social harmony.
On higher education and health, President Mahama revealed that the expansion of the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) would soon be back on track. This, he said, would produce more qualified medical professionals and create job opportunities both locally and abroad.
“Our Minister of Specialised Initiatives is in the Caribbean, and countries from the Bahamas to Barbados are asking us to send them nurses, doctors, and other health professionals.”
President Mahama concluded his address by thanking the chiefs for their steadfast support and collaboration. “Your unwavering support, insightful ideas, and collective commitment to national progress are invaluable,” he said.
He assured them that his administration would continue to be a responsive partner that listens, consults, and acts with urgency. “Together, we will realise the vision of a prosperous, unified, and resilient Ghana,” he concluded.
By Leo Nelson