We’ll complete work on Eastern Regional Hospital, other projects - • President Mahama assures
President John Dramani Mahama has assured the chiefs and people in the Eastern Region of completing work on the abandoned regional hospital in Koforidua.
He also pledged to continue with some projects started by the previous government except those they had paid double for but failed to execute
President Mahama gave the assurance at a grand durbar of chiefs and people at the Jackson Park in Koforidua last Sunday during his "Thank You tour of the region.
The event was attended by a large gathering of chiefs, queenmothers, students and people of all walks of life who welcomed the President with cheers.
The President’s entourage included some national executive of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
They were the National Chairman of the party, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, and the General Secretary, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey.
Also present were the Minister of Defence, Dr Omane Boamah, and the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, among others.
Fulfilment of promises
President Mahama said that the government would not fail the people in the fulfilment of his campaign promises, some of which had already been implemented.
In line with that, he said the government would construct a 3.6 kilometres bridge over River Afram in the region, along with approximately 100km of road network to open up Afram Plains.
"The bridge when completed will connect Eastern, Ashanti and Oti regions in a very strategic way, and open up the place for big time agriculture and investment in agro-processing," President Mahama added.
The President further said that the "Big Push" policy of the government would focus on developing critical infrastructure in the country, including roads, schools and hospitals.
"It forms part of the government’s infrastructure effort to boost agricultural productivity, stimulate economic growth and reduce poverty,” he said.
President Mahama thanked the chiefs and the people for their massive votes which resulted in the victory of the NDC in the December 7 general election.
Partnership
The President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Nene Sakite II, who is also the Konor of Manya Krobo Traditional Area, said they were committed to working with the government to advance the national development agenda of the country.
He appealed to the government to, as a matter of urgency, address the myriad of challenges such as infrastructure deficit in the area.
Nene Sakite also said that in Kroboland, the road network was in a deplorable state and needed urgent attention.
Inclusive governance
The Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, said the presence of the President in the region was a clear demonstration of his respect for the chiefs and people in the area, and a clear commitment to inclusive governance.
"I have personally recognised and commended your efforts since your assumption of office.
Within a short period, we have witnessed the stabilisation of the exchange rate which brings confidence back to the economy and provided relief to many businesses.
Daasebre Kwaku Boateng also commended President Mahama for the introduction of no stress fee policy for first year university students, which he said had eased the burden of many parents and families in the country.
The Omanhene, however, appealed to President Mahama to reconstruct the Koforidua Central Market to decongest the place.
He also urged him to complete work on other health infrastructure projectss.
Writer's email: haruna.wunpini@graphic.com.gh
