President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to accountable governance, infrastructure development and prudent economic management, assuring the people of the Volta Region that the overwhelming support they gave him in the 2024 elections is being repaid through tangible development projects.
Speaking during a community engagement at Ho as part of the Resetting Ghana Tour, President Mahama explained that the nationwide exercise was designed to promote accountability by allowing government to report directly to citizens on its performance.
“When I sought the mandate of the people of Ghana to return to office, one of the commitments I made was to ensure accountable governance. Government must return to the people, report on what it has done, and give citizens the opportunity to interact with their leaders.”
The President noted that he was accompanied by his sector ministers, who had presented detailed reports on the progress made within their respective ministries.
Investing in the Next Generation of Leadership
President Mahama expressed pride in appointing one of the youngest Cabinets in Ghana’s history, describing it as a deliberate effort to empower a new generation of leaders.
He recounted his own political journey, noting that he became a Deputy Minister at age 37 and Minister for Communications at age 40.
“The current generation deserves the opportunity to lead and contribute to the development of our country.”
He disclosed that the oldest member of his Cabinet is only 53 years old, demonstrating government’s confidence in youthful leadership.
“I Have Come to Show You the Deposit”
Reflecting on the 2024 elections, President Mahama thanked the people of the Volta Region for giving him more than 90 percent of their votes.
“I came to the people of the Volta Region seeking what I described as a loan in the form of votes. Today, I have not come to request another loan. I have come to show you the deposit this government has made in your development bank through the projects and programmes we have implemented.”
Revival of Volta Star Textiles
President Mahama announced significant progress toward reviving the long-defunct Volta Star Textiles factory at Juapong.
He explained that government has completed the transaction advisory process, selected a strategic investor and is currently reviewing the investment proposal and feasibility studies.
The factory, he said, will be retooled with modern equipment, while cotton will initially be sourced from neighbouring countries, including Benin and Burkina Faso, as efforts continue to revive Ghana’s cotton industry.
“We are determined to restore Juapong Textiles to its former glory.”
Eastern Economic Corridor and Volivo Bridge
The President highlighted the Eastern Economic Corridor as a key pillar of the 24-Hour Economy Programme, explaining that the initiative will drive industrialisation across parts of the Greater Accra, Volta and Eastern Regions.
He said the corridor will feature agro-industrial parks, irrigation schemes and integrated rail and water transport systems linking Tema, Akosombo, Mpakadan, Asikuma and Buipe.
President Mahama also announced a breakthrough on the long-awaited Volivo Bridge Project, revealing that Japan has agreed to provide additional financing after project costs increased.
“The preliminary work has been completed, and the process of selecting a new contractor is underway. We expect construction to commence before the end of the year.”
Keta Port and Railway Expansion
On the proposed Keta Port, President Mahama disclosed that feasibility studies, engineering designs and environmental approvals have all been completed.
Government is currently assessing proposals from more than twenty strategic investors interested in partnering on the project.
He further announced plans to extend the Tema–Akosombo railway line through Dawa to Keta to improve cargo movement and support regional trade.
UHAS and Ho Teaching Hospital Expansion
The President reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS).
Following an inspection of the university’s new laboratory complex, he revealed that the facility is more than 70 percent complete.
Once completed, it will become the largest laboratory complex in West Africa, featuring modern simulation centres, pathology laboratories and specialised pathogen research facilities.
President Mahama also announced that discussions have resumed with the Government of South Korea on a US$200 million facility to expand the Ho Teaching Hospital by an additional 500 beds.
Education and Road Infrastructure
President Mahama disclosed that Cabinet has approved two major international loan facilities.
The first is a US$500 million World Bank facility for feeder roads, while the second is a US$300 million World Bank facility aimed at eliminating the double-track system through the construction of new secondary schools and expansion of existing schools.
“Our objective is to ensure that by 2027, no Ghanaian child will have to attend school under the double-track system.”
Ho Airport to Become Aviation Hub
Addressing concerns about the Ho Airport, President Mahama acknowledged that passenger traffic has been lower than anticipated but assured residents that government has a new strategy to make the facility commercially viable.
Plans include establishing a pilot training school, aeronautical engineering training centre, aircraft maintenance and repair facilities, and aircraft valeting services.
He said these investments would transform the airport into an aviation hub while creating employment opportunities.
Markets, Sports Infrastructure and Constitutional Reform
The President announced that procurement for the Aflao Market Project will soon begin after the completion of feasibility studies and land acquisition.
He also revealed plans to construct a modern multi-purpose stadium in Ho with restaurants, shops and commercial facilities to ensure year-round economic activity.
On constitutional reform, President Mahama disclosed that Cabinet has completed its consideration of the Constitutional Review Committee’s recommendations, with the Attorney-General preparing a Government Position Paper ahead of the inauguration of an implementation committee.
Commitment to Accountability
President Mahama stressed that his administration remains committed to transparency and the rule of law.
“No individual will be prosecuted because of political vendetta. However, where evidence establishes wrongdoing, the law will take its course.”
He emphasised that the same standard would apply to officials serving under his own administration.
The President noted that improved financial management has enabled government to finance major infrastructure projects largely through domestic resources rather than excessive borrowing.
He disclosed that government allocated GH¢13.8 billion to the Big Push Infrastructure Programme last year and GH¢30.8 billion this year, bringing total investment to more than GH¢40 billion.
“These investments have been possible because we have reduced waste and prioritised the effective use of public resources.”
Focused on Delivering His Mandate
Concluding his address, President Mahama reiterated that his priority is to fulfil the mandate entrusted to him by the Ghanaian people.
While acknowledging that the Supreme Court is considering a constitutional matter relating to presidential tenure, he affirmed his respect for the judicial process.
“What I know is that the people of Ghana entrusted me with one additional term, and I will continue to work diligently to honour that trust.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
