President John Dramani Mahama has stated that all national development projects must deliver tangible benefits to local communities, particularly in the form of jobs for the youth, opportunities for entrepreneurs, and an improved quality of life for Ghanaian families.
According to him, development must be inclusive, environmentally responsible, and aligned with both local and national planning frameworks.
“Every national project must translate into real benefits for local communities — jobs for our youth, opportunities for entrepreneurs, and improved quality of life for Ghanaian families,” President Mahama said at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Oxygen City project in Ho.
He commended the leadership of TDC Ghana Limited for initiating the project, describing it as visionary and well-aligned with the government’s development agenda.
“I wish to commend the board, management, and staff of TDC Ghana Limited for this vision and initiative,” he stated.
President Mahama also praised the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources for providing the policy direction and institutional support that made the project possible, singling out the sector minister, Hon. Kenneth Adjei for commendation.
“I also commend the Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources under the leadership of Hon. Kenneth Adjei for the policy direction and institutional support that have made this project possible,” the President said.
He disclosed that the Ministry acquired a total of 1,860 acres of land for the development, noting its strategic location close to the airport.
“The Ministry of Works, Housing, and Water Resources acquired this land 1,860 acres in all and it is close to the airport.
This township is appropriately named Oxygen City because of the beauty and freshness of the air in the Volta Region,” he explained.
President Mahama also took the opportunity to commend the Volta Region for its cleanliness.
“I dare say, arguably, that the Volta Region is one of the cleanest regions in the whole of Ghana, and I urge you to keep it up,” he said.
He announced that the Ministry of Local Government will soon introduce awards for the cleanest regions and districts nationwide, expressing confidence that the Volta Region would excel.
“The Ministry of Local Government will soon institute awards for the cleanest regions and the cleanest districts, and I am sure the Volta Region will win it every time,” he added.
Outlining the scope of the Oxygen City project, President Mahama said the development will include multi-storey two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, supported by modern infrastructure.
“This project will consist of multi-storey apartments with proper streets, street lights, drainage and sewage systems, as well as water and electricity utilities,” he said.
He revealed that the project will be implemented through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, with portions of the land allocated to private investors.
“Part of the land has been allocated for the private sector to build a four-star hotel, and interested private sector actors are invited to participate,” he stated.
The President further announced plans for a world-class specialist hospital within the Oxygen City enclave.
“There will be a first-class specialist hospital here. My understanding is that Togbi Afede has already initiated moves to bring investors to build this facility,” he disclosed.
According to President Mahama, the hospital will provide specialised care for cancer and kidney diseases and attract patients from across Ghana and neighbouring countries.
“People will come from Togo, from all over Ghana, and even outside Ghana to seek treatment here,” he said.
In addition to healthcare, the Oxygen City project will feature a food and entertainment centre, recreational facilities, and performance spaces.
“There will be a food and entertainment centre, places for recreation, and venues where artists can perform,” he noted.
The development will also include educational institutions, commercial centres, and markets.
“There will be spaces allocated for first-class educational institutions — from kindergarten to secondary schools — as well as markets, shopping malls, and other commercial facilities,” President Mahama said, inviting private investors to participate.
Recreational amenities such as a golf course are also planned as part of the first phase of the project.
“There will be a golf course here, and players will come from Accra to Ho to play golf in the Volta Region,” he added.
President Mahama disclosed that a second phase of the project will involve the State Housing Company Limited.
“Part of the land has been allocated to State Housing Company Limited, and soon we will return to cut the sod for their portion of the project,” he announced.
He said the State Housing Company will construct additional residential units to expand housing options within the Oxygen City development.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
