President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his administration’s commitment to completing inherited public projects, stating that national development should never be disrupted by changes in government.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Akatsi North District Police Headquarters at Ave-Dakpa, the President said abandoning projects delays development, wastes taxpayers’ money and significantly increases the cost of completion.
“In every functioning democracy, a change of government should never become the reason why important public projects are abandoned.”
President Mahama recalled that during the 2024 election campaign, he pledged that his government would continue projects started by previous administrations, describing the newly commissioned police headquarters as a practical demonstration of that promise.
According to him, the project was initiated in 2014 but remained abandoned for several years before being completed in 2026.
“Whenever projects are abandoned, the country suffers. The people are denied the benefits they should have received much earlier, taxpayers’ money remains unproductive, and the cost of completion rises because construction materials become more expensive.”
He stressed that continuing inherited projects represents responsible governance and prudent use of public resources.
Agenda 111 Hospital to Be Completed
Addressing concerns about healthcare infrastructure in the district, President Mahama assured residents that the Akatsi North Agenda 111 Hospital remains a priority under his administration.
He disclosed that government has identified 35 Agenda 111 hospital projects that are at least 70 percent complete for immediate completion this year.
“The Akatsi North Agenda 111 Hospital is one of those priority projects, and work will continue until it is fully completed. We will not abandon those hospitals because they are important investments in the health of our people.”
Commends Ghana Police Service
President Mahama praised the Ghana Police Service for its professionalism and dedication in safeguarding lives and property, noting that Ghana’s reputation as one of Africa’s safest and most peaceful countries has been built through the commitment of its security services.
“Security remains one of Ghana’s greatest strengths and one of the reasons investors continue to choose our country.”
He urged the Police Service to continue discharging its duties professionally while respecting the rights of citizens.
The President also called on communities to support law enforcement by volunteering information that would help combat armed robbery, drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
“Community members and the police must work together because security is a shared responsibility.”
He warned against the growing abuse of drugs such as tramadol among young people and encouraged citizens not to remain silent in the fight against illegal drug distribution.
Big Push Road Programme Making Progress
Turning to infrastructure development, President Mahama highlighted the government’s Big Push Programme, particularly ongoing road rehabilitation projects across the country.
He recalled the deplorable condition of the Aflao Road during the 2024 election campaign and said his government made its rehabilitation a top priority after assuming office.
To accelerate progress, he explained that the project was divided among five contractors rather than awarding it to a single company.
“Although the contractual completion date is December 2027, the pace of work suggests that major sections will be completed much earlier.”
According to the President, some portions of the road have already reached about 75 percent completion, expressing confidence that completed sections would begin to be commissioned by early or mid-next year.
He also announced that the Nkope Junction–Kove Road has been included in government’s rural roads programme and assured communities whose roads are yet to be captured that they would benefit in future phases.
World Bank Support for Education and Rural Roads
President Mahama revealed that government will next week submit its first two international loan agreements to Parliament for approval.
The first is a US$300 million World Bank facility to eliminate the double-track system in Senior High Schools through the construction of 16 new SHSs and expansion of infrastructure in about 150 existing schools.
He said the objective is to ensure that by 2027, all Senior High School students will study under a single-track academic calendar.
The second is a US$500 million World Bank facility dedicated to improving rural and feeder roads across the country.
Calls for Proper Maintenance of Public Infrastructure
President Mahama concluded by urging officers assigned to the new District Police Headquarters to maintain the facility properly to ensure it serves future generations.
“Proper maintenance is just as important as construction because public infrastructure must continue serving future generations.”
He encouraged the police to undertake routine repainting and minor repairs whenever necessary instead of waiting for central government intervention.
“When I return here in five years, I expect this Police Headquarters to look just as beautiful as it does today.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
