BY Seraphine Nyuiemedi
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged a transformative era for the Volta Region, vowing to correct years of neglect and prioritize development across key sectors. During his Thank You Tour in Ho, the President expressed deep gratitude to the region for its unwavering loyalty to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and laid out a bold vision to address infrastructure deficits, boost agriculture, and empower local communities. “The Volta Region has always been a beacon of resilience and progress,” President Mahama remarked to a gathering of traditional rulers and residents. “It is time to give back to a people who have given so much to our nation’s growth and democracy.”
From infrastructure overhauls to innovative solutions for agriculture, the President’s address highlighted his administration’s commitment to delivering equitable development across the region.
President Mahama acknowledged the deplorable state of roads in the region, singling out the Ho-Denu Road and the Eastern Corridor Road as top priorities. He assured the gathering that his administration would not only repair but fully reengineer critical road networks to boost trade, tourism, and mobility.
“The Eastern Corridor Road has been a dream deferred for too long. We will finish what we started and ensure that every community along this route thrives economically,” he pledged. In a bold move to unlock the region’s tourism potential, the President announced plans to revitalize the Ho Airport and promote eco-friendly tourism. “The Volta Region has some of the cleanest rivers, unspoiled vegetation, and pristine air in Ghana. These are treasures we must harness responsibly,” he stated.
In a region where agriculture serves as a lifeline, President Mahama unveiled initiatives to boost production and processing. He highlighted plans to support rice farmers, establish cassava and ginger processing plants, and expand the Volta Palm Initiative to position the region as a hub for agribusiness.
“These projects will not only create jobs but will also reduce our dependence on imports and promote a proud, ‘Made in Ghana’ brand,” the President declared. President Mahama also addressed the long-standing issue of sea erosion and flooding along the coast. He promised to expedite the Sea Defense Project and compensate victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage. “These challenges are not just environmental, they affect livelihoods and families. We are committed to finding lasting solutions,” he assured.
Education and healthcare also featured prominently in the President’s vision. He announced plans to upgrade the University of Health and Allied Sciences, develop E-block schools that had been abandoned, and transform the Ho Teaching Hospital into a modern, fully equipped teaching hospital.
In a gesture that underscored his respect for tradition, President Mahama praised the role of traditional rulers in fostering peace and development. He proposed expanding their involvement in governance, particularly in environmental protection and community-led initiatives.
“Our chiefs are not just custodians of culture, they are partners in progress. Together, we will build a Ghana that reflects the wisdom and heritage of our people,” he said.
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