President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to delivering inclusive, people-centred development across Ghana, pledging bold action to tackle infrastructural deficits, environmental degradation, and socio-economic inequality during a heartfelt Thank You Tour in the Western North Region.
Addressing a large and enthusiastic crowd in Juaboso, President Mahama expressed profound gratitude to the chiefs and people of the region for their overwhelming support in the 2024 general elections.
The region, he acknowledged, played a crucial role in the landslide victory that returned him and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to power.
“Let me begin by expressing my heartfelt gratitude to the chiefs and people of the Western North Region for the warm hospitality extended to me and my delegation since our arrival here in Juaboso. Your generous welcome, marked by colourful culture and genuine affection, has touched my heart.”.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama used his Thank You Tour, which forms part of his nationwide appreciation campaign, to outline key interventions already underway or planned under his new administration, centred on the $10 billion “Big Push” infrastructure programme.
Promise to Fix Deplorable Roads
One of the core concerns raised by residents was the deplorable state of roads linking farming communities to major markets. “These roads are not a luxury. They are a necessity,” President Mahama emphasised.
He announced that several road projects in areas such as Enchi, Elubo, Dadeiso, Sefwi Akontombra, and Asankragua have been prioritised for reconstruction under the Big Push initiative.
“This is a program to commit at least $2,000,000,000 every year in infrastructure development, and we have begun to roll it out in the 2025 budget. We’re committing resources and technical teams to ensure that these roads are completed on schedule.
“I’ve directed the Ministry of Roads and Highways to prioritise these roads and return contractors to the site to work without further delay.”
President John Dramani Mahama
According to President Mahama, the Finance Minister has assured that funds are available, and hence any contractor who presents a certificate will be paid within two weeks, adding that poor road conditions would no longer be a barrier to the region’s economic progress.
70% of World Cocoa Price Earmarked for Farmers
President Mahama also addressed the plight of cocoa farmers in the region, recognising Western North as the backbone of Ghana’s cocoa industry. He decried the low farmgate prices, inadequate extension services, and delays in input distribution.
To restore confidence and dignity to cocoa farming, President Mahama announced that the government will implement a pricing policy that guarantees farmers 70% of the world market price for cocoa. “We will ensure our farmers are treated fairly. The sweat of our cocoa farmers deserves dignity and a fair reward,” the President noted.
He also revealed a restructuring of the Cocoa Rehabilitation Programme, especially in Bia and Grabosu, to address the impact of swollen shoot disease and ageing farms.
Under the leadership of a revitalised Ghana Cocoa Board, farmers would receive improved seeds, regular extension support, and proper compensation.
President Mahama’s message to the youth was equally clear: agriculture remains a key pillar of national transformation. He outlined the “Feed Ghana” program aimed at empowering young people through land preparation support, irrigation systems, youth block farms, and guaranteed market access.
Tackling Galamsey and Growing Insecurity
The President did not shy away from the environmental damage caused by illegal mining, which has plagued communities such as Awaso, Dadiaso, Sofia, and Asawinso.
Declaring it a “national emergency,” President Mahama assured that the national anti-galamsey task force would intensify its operations. However, he warned against the illegal activities of rogue groups extorting money from licensed small-scale miners.
“I’ve requested that the authorities arrest and prosecute any individuals involved in these illegal anti-galamsey activities”.
President John Dramani Mahama
In response to growing security concerns along border towns, he announced the establishment of a Ghana Armed Forces forward operating base in Ponikrom to swiftly counter security threats.
Commitment to Quality Healthcare and Education
President Mahama also addressed urgent healthcare needs in underserved areas like Sefwi Bodi, Adabokrom, Dadiaso, Esam, and Debiso, where residents struggle to access basic medical services.
He reiterated his administration’s pledge to build a modern regional hospital for the Western North Region, one of Ghana’s six newly created regions. In addition, policies to improve health worker retention in rural areas were being reviewed.
He also confirmed the government’s commitment to situating a public university in the Western North Region in consultation with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission.
Until then, the President assured that senior high schools including Sefwi Wiawso SHS, Bodi SHS, and Juaboso SHS, would be upgraded under the Free Secondary Education Plus policy.
The President responded personally to a direct appeal from students of Juaboso SHS, who asked for a school bus as his helicopter landed. “I promise you I’ll send you a school bus,” he said to cheers from the students.
Building Low-Cost Housing
On the housing front, President Mahama announced a national low-cost housing scheme targeting regional and district capitals. Under this rent-to-own arrangement, public sector workers—including teachers and health professionals—would be able to acquire decent housing through monthly salary deductions.
“We will deduct it from your salary every month, and by the time you retire, you will own the house,” he explained, adding that this policy would eliminate the post-retirement housing challenges that confront many workers.
He also touched on recreational development, revealing that the Ministry of Sports and Recreation is currently designing modern sports stadiums for all six newly created regions, including Western North.
In terms of youth employment and recruitment into security services, President Mahama stated that plans are underway to decentralise the process, with regional quotas to ensure fair representation. He assured that recruitment will commence following financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
He further revealed that the Accelerated Industrialisation and Trade Program will extend investment incentives to agro-processing firms in the region, targeting cocoa processing, palm oil milling, rice milling, and timber value addition.
The President said that the government, in collaboration with the African Development Bank and international partners, will soon launch a project to cultivate 200,000 hectares of oil palm nationwide, with the Western North Region playing a crucial role. “When the time comes, I’ll appeal to Nananom to release land for this important project,” he said.
Additionally, President Mahama disclosed that a Youth Enterprise and Employment Scheme will also be launched in the region by September to support at least 1,000 young people with training, startup capital, and mentorship.
In fulfillment of another campaign promise, President Mahama confirmed the release of GH¢25 million for the payment of first-quarter allowances to assembly members, translating to GH¢2,025,000 per district.
On education financing, he reaffirmed the No-Fee Stress Policy for tertiary students. “The portal is open. If you’ve paid academic fees, it will be refunded to your MoMo number,” he stated, assuring parents that, from September, fees will be covered by the Student Loan Scheme for all first-year public tertiary students.
President Mahama took the opportunity to highlight key appointments of Western North natives to national leadership roles as a demonstration of his government’s commitment to inclusive governance.
These include Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh as Minister for Health, Hon. Samson Ahi as Deputy Minister for Trade, and several others across state boards and institutions.
“To the chiefs and people of the Western North Region, I thank you for your unwavering support, your patience, and your hope. ogether, let us build a new Ghana—a Ghana of fairness, a Ghana of jobs, justice, and shared prosperity.”
President John Dramani Mahama
With his address, President Mahama not only expressed gratitude but also reignited hope in a region often left at the margins of development. His message was one of action—not slogans—as he promised to reset Ghana’s development agenda through transparency, inclusiveness, and bold governance.
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