President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering on his campaign promises, ensuring job creation, infrastructural development, and strict accountability in governance.
Addressing a gathering in Cape Coast as part of his Thank You Tour of the Central Region, President Mahama assured the people of their rightful share in Ghana’s development while celebrating the historic election of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
In his celebration of Professor Naana Opoku Agyemang’s historic election, President Mahama pointed out that Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang has earned the mark of distinction in her own right and not only because she’s a woman.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, during our campaign, we engage with communities large and small. And we converse with our youth, our farmers, our artisans, our elders, our fisher folk.
“We listen to your concerns, we shared in your hopes and witnessed the incredible resilience of forward moving. This collective belief in the progress of our dear nation will guide us as we implement the promises we made during our campaign and we intend to keep our electoral promises”.
President John Dramani Mahama
Expressing gratitude to the people of the Central Region for their overwhelming support in the last elections, President Mahama acknowledged the region’s significant contribution to Ghana’s history, economy, tourism, and education.
He emphasized that under his leadership, the region will receive its fair share of the national cake, adding that his government will prioritize investments in infrastructure, health care, education, and economic empowerment.
“As president, I also identify as a son of this region and commit to honouring and recognizing its importance. Whether in education, infrastructure, health care or economic empowerment, we shall work together to elevate the lives of all those who call this region home. And I can assure you, the people of the Central Region, you will get your fair share of the national cake.”
President John Dramani Mahama
Job Creation and 24-Hour Economy Initiative
A key aspect of President Mahama’s address was his commitment to tackling unemployment, especially among the youth.
He reiterated his administration’s promise to implement the 24-hour economy policy, a policy aimed at increasing productivity and employment by implementing a three-shift work system across key sectors such as agro-processing and manufacturing.
“Our 24-hour economy plan is designed to enhance production, productivity, and employment,” he stated, adding that this initiative will help create opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and workers nationwide.
Major Infrastructure and Development Projects
President Mahama detailed ongoing and planned infrastructure projects for the Central Region, including the dualization of the Kasoa-Winneba Road, a project he emphasized will ease the movement of goods and people.
The second and third phases of the project, extending from Winneba to Cape Coast, according to him will be included in the NDC’s proposed $10 billion Big Push Program in addition to the roads like the Yamuransa-Twifo Praso Road and the Cape Coast to Twifo Praso Road amongst others
In addition to roads, President Mahama announced that the Mankessim Market will be modernized as part of the NDC’s Market Enhancement Program, ensuring traders have improved facilities to operate.
He also revealed plans to revive the Komenda Sugar Factory, which he described as a critical asset for the region’s economic growth.
Recalling his earlier visit to the Anomabo Fisheries College, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to completing the project, which was initiated by the late President John Evans Atta Mills but stalled after his administration left office in 2016.
He assured that funding would be allocated in the March budget to ensure its completion.
Enhancing Education and Healthcare Services
Moreover, President Mahama emphasized his administration’s resolve to improve Ghana’s education system, particularly in the Central Region, which he described as the citadel of education.
“We want our children to be trained for the modern world, to be trained for modern jobs, and to come out with the skills that make them integrate into the world of work.
“Education will remain a priority and will work to provide the best possible learning environment for our children at all levels and ensure that our youth have skills needed to compete in the global economy.”
President John Dramani Mahama
He pledged to enhance the Free SHS program, ensuring dedicated funding and decentralized food procurement to prevent shortages, in addition to rolling out the No Academic Fees Policy to provide financial relief to continuing students.
On healthcare, President Mahama promised to upgrade the Cape Coast Hospital into a full-fledged teaching hospital for the University of Cape Coast Medical School.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to un-cap the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) levy, ensuring full funds are directed towards healthcare delivery.
Furthermore, he announced the launch of the Ghana Medical Care Trust Fund (MahamaCares), designed to support individuals suffering from chronic diseases such as kidney and liver diseases, high blood pressure, and cardiac conditions.
Support for Farmers and Rural Development
Recognizing the Central Region’s agricultural potential, President Mahama pledged increased support for farmers, including irrigation development and modernized farming practices.
Additionally, to address rural-urban disparities, his administration will introduce a 20% salary allowance for teachers and health workers who accept postings to rural areas. “We want to encourage more of our education and health personnel to accept to serve in rural communities and bridge the developmental gap,” President Mahama stated.
Strict Accountability and Anti-Corruption Measures
A major highlight of President Mahama’s speech was his administration’s commitment to strict accountability and the fight against corruption.
He assured Ghanaians that his government will not only hold past officials accountable but will also ensure that current officeholders adhere to ethical standards.
“We are not just going to pursue members of the past regime to account for their stewardship. We will ensure that our own appointees uphold the same standards”.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama announced that an Operation Recover All Loot initiative will be implemented to recover misappropriated state funds and assets. He also revealed that a special committee he set up will present its findings next week, which will be referred to investigative agencies for further action.
Emphasizing national unity, President Mahama called on Ghanaians to set aside past divisions and work together for the collective good of the country.
“Our strength lies in our diversity. Together, we will overcome challenges and build a Ghana where opportunity and prosperity are available to all, regardless of where we live or where we come from”.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama closed his speech by reaffirming his administration’s dedication to transparency, fairness, and inclusive development.
He assured the people of the Central Region that his government will be accountable to them and remain committed to building a brighter future for all. “May God bless our homeland Ghana and make our nation great and strong,” he concluded, as the crowd cheered in approval.
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