Mahama Unveils Bold Development Agenda
By Prince Ahenkorah
President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a wide-ranging package of infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development initiatives for the people of Volta Region, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to balanced national development during the “Reset Ghana Tour.”
Over the course of the regional tour, the President inspected ongoing projects, cut the sod for new developments and outlined government policies aimed at accelerating economic growth, creating jobs and improving public services across the region.
The highlight of the tour was the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a modern 24-hour economy market at Juapong in the North Tongu District.
President Mahama described Juapong as a community uniquely positioned for economic transformation because of its fertile agricultural lands, industrious population and strategic location along the Volta River.
He said the project forms part of government’s flagship programme to establish modern 24-hour economy model markets in all 261 districts to support production, trade and enterprise.
Unlike traditional markets, the Juapong facility will function as a commercial enterprise hub equipped with 100 lockable stores, 150 market stalls, ten warehouses, a supermarket, food courts, cold stores, a livestock bay, butcher shop, guest rooms, daycare centre, clinic, pharmacy, police post, fire station and a branch of the Women’s Development Bank.
According to the President, the market will reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access for farmers, support agro-processing and create new employment opportunities.
He announced that all 18 districts in the Volta Region would benefit from similar market projects as part of the government’s 24-hour economy agenda.
President Mahama also outlined plans for the Volta Economic Corridor, which he said would integrate agriculture, manufacturing, aquaculture, logistics, inland water transport, renewable energy, tourism and export-led industrialisation.
He disclosed that government had made significant progress toward reviving the dormant Volta Star Textiles Limited.
According to him, a strategic investor has already been selected to partner government in modernising the factory after a transaction advisor completed the investment process.
He added that discussions are underway with the Government of Benin to secure cotton supplies to support operations once production resumes.
The revival, he noted, will restore jobs and reposition Juapong as one of Ghana’s industrial centres.
Addressing concerns over the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillage, President Mahama assured affected residents that funds had been earmarked in this year’s national budget to begin compensation payments.
He said government would continue rebuilding affected communities while ensuring transparency in the compensation process.
The President further reaffirmed government’s commitment to constructing the long-awaited Volivo Bridge.
He explained that after the previous contractor withdrew because of prolonged delays, government had begun a new procurement process and expects work to commence before the end of the year.
During an inspection of the Asikuma-Anyirawase road project, President Mahama said government has committed more than GH¢40 billion to the Big Push infrastructure programme over the past two years.
He disclosed that approximately 2,500 kilometres of roads are currently under construction nationwide, with many contractors ahead of schedule despite a completion target of December 2027.
The President noted that the Eastern Corridor Road would connect Hohoe through Asikuma, Juapong and Atimpoku to Accra, improving transportation, facilitating trade and supporting economic growth.
He estimated that the ongoing road projects have already generated about 300,000 direct and indirect jobs across the country.
At the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), President Mahama inspected the newly completed laboratory complex, describing it as one of the largest research facilities in the sub-region.
He said the laboratory would strengthen Ghana’s capacity for pathogen research, vaccine development and public health innovation through collaboration with the National Vaccine Institute.
The President acknowledged that the project, initiated in 2014, took 12 years to complete, resulting in significant cost increases due to delays.
He also pledged continued investment in additional hostels, lecture theatres, library facilities and internal road infrastructure at UHAS through increased GETFund allocations.
At Peki College of Education, President Mahama inspected a newly completed 1,500-seat multipurpose assembly hall started during his previous administration.
He announced that government has granted financial clearance for the recruitment of 16,000 newly trained teachers to reduce the backlog of unemployed graduates from colleges of education.
Similarly, during a durbar at the Ho Municipal Hospital to launch the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, he disclosed that government would recruit 16,000 nurses in two phases, with priority postings to underserved communities.
He urged healthcare workers to emulate Florence Nightingale by providing compassionate care despite workplace challenges.
Launching the Free Primary Healthcare Programme, President Mahama said nearly 12 million Ghanaians remain outside the National Health Insurance Scheme, making universal access to healthcare a national priority.
Under the new programme, primary healthcare services at CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics will be provided free of charge.
The President encouraged Ghanaians to undergo annual health screenings for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes to improve early detection and reduce preventable deaths.
He also highlighted the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, which will support patients suffering from cancers, kidney diseases and cardiovascular conditions by covering diagnosis and treatment costs for eligible beneficiaries.
Government, he added, is expanding dialysis centres and establishing additional cardiac centres in Ho and Takoradi while reactivating a Korean-supported project to upgrade Ho Teaching Hospital.
President Mahama called on traditional authorities, contractors and residents to work together to ensure timely completion of all projects.