In his thank you tour visit to the Volta Region, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana and leader of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), delivered a heartfelt speech acknowledging the region’s unwavering support and loyalty to his leadership and Ghana’s democratic progress.
The visit was marked by his expression of gratitude, reassurance of commitment, and recognition of the traditional authorities’ vital role in national development.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama extended greetings and commendations from himself, the NDC, and his administration, emphasizing the special relationship he shares with the people of the Volta Region. He acknowledged the presence of prominent traditional leaders, including Togbe Afede XIV, the Paramount Chief of the Asogli State, and Togbe Amenya Fiti, Paramount Chief of the Aflao Traditional Area, among others. He remarked;
“It is always an immense pleasure, privilege, and honor for me to stand before you—a people whose warmth, resilience, and loyalty have been unwavering throughout the years.’’
“Throughout my political journey, I have seen this region as a symbol of hope, perseverance, and national pride. You have stood firm in the rain and sunshine not only as pillars of my political journey but as defenders of Ghana’s democratic progress. Your loyalty and commitment are deeply etched in my heart, and I’ll forever remain grateful to you.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
Acknowledging the critical role of traditional rulers in Ghana’s governance and peacebuilding, President Mahama reiterated;
“The institution of chieftaincy in Ghana is not merely symbolic; it is an enduring pillar of wisdom and guidance, and one we must cherish and protect. I pledge that this administration led by me will continue to prioritize collaboration with our traditional authorities as partners in the development of our dear nation Ghana.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
Gratitude for Enduring Partnership and Trust
President Mahama acknowledged the overwhelming turnout and the citizens’ willingness to support and correct leadership when necessary.
He promised not to take this partnership for granted and assured the people of his commitment to addressing their concerns and fulfilling his promises.
Highlighting the importance of national development, Mahama encouraged the chiefs and elders to participate in the upcoming constitutional validation conference, which he described as a crucial step in advancing Ghana’s governance framework. This gesture of appreciation underscored his respect and gratitude to the people of the Volta Region for their loyalty and support throughout his political career.
President Mahama highlighted the Volta Region’s critical role in Ghana’s political landscape and democratic progress since 1992. He emphasized;
“The Volta Region has always been a beacon of support for the National Democratic Congress, my party, and indeed myself. Your immense contribution to the success of our party and my election as President of the Republic of Ghana is a testament to the strength of the bond that exists between us.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
He expressed his appreciation for the trust reposed in him and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering unity and progress. He added;
“Years of neglect and alienation from the development of our country due to your political choices will change. My visit signals my commitment to ensuring that the region receives its fair share of national development.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
He emphasized that his administration’s agenda to reset Ghana begins in the Volta Region, symbolizing the government’s dedication to correcting past wrongs and promoting inclusivity.
Streamlining Governance for Development
The President provided updates on bold steps his government has taken since assuming office to address the nation’s challenges.
“One of our first actions was to streamline the governmental structure by reducing the number of sector ministers from 30 to 23. By doing this, we have not only reduced bureaucracy but also ensured that every ministry is aligned with the pressing needs of our people.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
This initiative has allowed the government to prioritize education, healthcare, infrastructure, and local governance.
Additionally, President Mahama underscored the importance of traditional leaders in local governance and community development. He assured;
“We believe that our traditional leaders must play a greater role in the local governance of this country. Development is most effective when it is community-led, and who better to guide us in this effort than our chiefs who have been custodians of our culture and progress.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
Responding to concerns about regional appointments, the President emphasized his commitment to merit, competence, and regional balance in public service.
He assured the Volta Region that its human resource capacity would be recognized and utilized. He reiterated;
“Appointments will be guided by principles of merit, competence, regional balance, gender equity, and availability to serve. I do not doubt that the people of the Volta Region possess the human resources and will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of our nation.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
Infrastructure Development: A Top Priority
President Mahama acknowledged the infrastructural challenges in the Volta Region, particularly poor road conditions that hinder economic activity. He reaffirmed;
“The Denu road, which is a lifeline for economic activity, will be a number one priority. We understand how the poor conditions of roads have hindered trade, tourism, and mobility.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
He assured the people that his administration would uphold the constitutional mandate to ensure balanced development across all regions. President Mahama’s visit to the Volta Region was not only a gesture of gratitude but also a declaration of his administration’s commitment to equity, inclusivity, and development. He added;
“Our objective to reset Ghana begins here in the Volta Region. Together, we will work to correct past wrongs and work towards a future where every Ghanaian feels included and valued.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama acknowledged the significant role the regional airport plays in boosting trade, tourism, and mobility. He emphasized;
“The Ho airport, which is a vital asset for this region, will be revitalized. We will explore how to resume commercial aviation into the airport using smaller aircraft and developing the routes.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
He further revealed a directive given to the CEO of the Ghana Airports Company, stating;
“Yesterday, I met with the CEO of the Ghana Airports Company and gave her the go-ahead to allocate the land for the establishment of the pilot training school.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
Youth Empowerment Through Infrastructure Development
The President pledged to develop the regional youth resource center, which he noted had been left to deteriorate. He noted;
“We will develop the regional youth resource center so that our young people can develop their talents. In Aflao, we will build a modern market to empower local businesses and boost trade with our eastern neighbor, Togo.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
Moreover, Mahama highlighted the urgent need to tackle sea erosion and flooding along the Volta Region’s coastline. He described the sea defense project as a lifeline for coastal communities.
He assured the people that the project would be expedited to protect lives and livelihoods.
The spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams and its devastating effects on residents were also addressed. Mahama promised adequate compensation for affected individuals.
Acknowledging the current economic crisis, Mahama outlined innovative financing mechanisms to fund infrastructural projects, including the use of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and build-operate-transfer (BOT) schemes. Mahama further emphasized the tourism prospects of the Volta Region, noting;
“Unlike other regions scarred by illegal mining, Volta Region has some of the cleanest rivers and the freshest air. Tourism is a viable prospect for prosperity here.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
Mahama outlined a detailed plan to improve the region’s road network, with priority given to key roads. He said;
“We intend to finish the parts of the Eastern Corridor Road that have not been engineered. Key sections such as Denu Road, Have to Hohoe, and the Dodope Street to Mpwanta section will be completed.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
He also promised the construction of the Dambai Bridge and the rehabilitation of the road from Aveyime through Kpando. He added;
“We will complete the E-blocks that we started and were abandoned. The University of Health and Allied Sciences will be developed into a first-class tertiary institution.”
“We intend to upgrade the Ho Hospital into a proper teaching hospital to improve healthcare delivery in the region.”
H.E President John Dramani Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama’s thank you visit to the Volta region reflects his commitment to addressing the pressing needs of the Volta Region. From revitalizing infrastructure and tourism to empowering youth and compensating disaster victims, he reassured the people of his dedication to fostering development in the region.
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