Mahama assures Volta of fair share of national development on Thank You tour
President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to prioritise the development concerns of the Volta Region, assuring residents that unfulfilled promises will no longer define their narrative.
He made this commitment at a grand durbar held at the Ho Jubilee Park on Friday, January 24, 2025, during his ‘Thank You’ tour of the regional capital.
A large gathering of chiefs, queens, and people from across the region converged to welcome the President with cheers and the sound of vuvuzelas, rolling out the red carpet in his honour.
President Mahama reaffirmed that the return of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to power marks the beginning of a transformative era for the Volta Region, particularly in infrastructural development.
Development plans
Highlighting key projects, the President assured the completion of the Ho-Denu Road, describing it as a “lifeline for economic activities.” Additionally, he announced plans to revitalise the Ho Airport with commercial flights and revealed that approval had been given for the establishment of a pilot training school at the facility.
Other road projects, including the Have-Hohoe, Dodo Pepesu-Nkwanta, and Kpasa-Nkwanta roads in the Oti Region, will also receive significant attention, he noted.
The abandoned Regional Youth Resource Centre at Adaklu-Tsriefe, near Ho, will be redeveloped to a higher standard, while major initiatives such as the Keta Port and the Keta Defence Wall remain high on the government’s development agenda.
“The Volta Region has always been a cornerstone of national identity and a defender of Ghana’s democratic progress, and it deserves its fair share of national development,” the President emphasised.
Collaboration with traditional authorities
President Mahama acknowledged the vital role traditional rulers in the region play in national governance, expressing his gratitude for their guidance. He reiterated the NDC’s commitment to collaborating with traditional authorities to put the country on the right path to progress.
“Our objective to reset Ghana begins in the Volta Region, and we will work to ensure every Ghanaian feels included in all national affairs,” he assured the crowd.
The President also highlighted the region’s clean environment, vast tourism potential, and human resources as critical areas for wealth creation, pledging the government’s commitment to harnessing these assets.
Agbogbomefia’s remarks
The Agbogbomefia of Asogli, Togbe Afede XIV, described the NDC’s return to power as a source of renewed hope for Ghanaians.
“You have brought joy to Ghana, and their expectations rest heavily on your shoulders,” he told the President.
Togbe Afede praised the President’s decision to begin his ‘Thank You’ tour in the Volta Region, acknowledging the people’s immense contributions to his electoral victory.
“Your victory is not just a victory for the NDC but also a national one, and we need the happiness we all deserve,” he stated.
He urged the President to prioritise improvements in the region’s road network to enhance living standards and create greater opportunities for the people.
Togbe Afede also commended the President for appointing James Gunu as Volta Regional Minister-designate, describing him as “the best material for the job.”
Calls for action
The Vice President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, Togbe Patamia Dzekle VII, urged President Mahama to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining in the country, a concern echoed by many stakeholders.
The Volta Regional Chairman of the NDC, Mawutor Agbavitor, expressed optimism about the future under President Mahama’s leadership, noting, “In just about three weeks, we can see it is so far, so good.”