President John Dramani Mahama has expressed profound gratitude to the people of the Ashanti Region for their historic support in the 2024 elections, marking his return with a firm promise to restore Kumasi’s lost glory through infrastructure renewal and national development under the Big Push agenda.
Speaking during his thank-you tour, President Mahama acknowledged the remarkable electoral gains chalked by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in a region traditionally aligned with the New Patriotic Party (NPP). He emphasized that the results were not only unprecedented but symbolically powerful.
“It is with deep humility and a grateful heart that I return today to the Ashanti Region, not only to express my sincere appreciation, but also to renew our shared commitment to rebuilding and transforming our beloved country”
President John Dramani Mahama
With great gratitude and acknowledgement, he commended the people of the region for choosing unity over division, truth over propaganda, and hope over despair.
The President celebrated the election of 7 NDC Members of Parliament and over 33 percent of the total presidential vote share in Ashanti region, describing it as a reflection of the region’s elevated commitment to Ghana’s national interest over partisanship.
“To Nananom, I wish to thank you for your enduring leadership, your moral guidance, and your good counsel that you have always given me,” he said, extending warm appreciation to traditional leaders for their stewardship role throughout the campaign season and beyond.
To the youth, women, party executives, and foot soldiers, Mahama said their tireless energy and dedication powered the victory, adding, “your sacrifice has laid the foundation for national renewal.”
Big Push For Ashanti
The President painted a bleak picture of Kumasi’s present state citing waste management failures, traffic congestion, poor roads, and stalled infrastructure. For him, it is unacceptable that such a renowned place, once known as the “garden city of West Africa,” has been reduced to grappling with such challenges.
He bemoaned the neglect of signature projects including the Afari Military Hospital and the KNUST Medical Center, which remain incomplete years after his exit from office.
“The people of Ashanti Region and Ghana deserve better, and that is why I’ve directed that no viable project will be abandoned under this administration”
President John Dramani Mahama
“We are a government of continuity and results,” the President declared, reiterating his commitment to continuity in governance, promising to finish development projects irrespective of their origin – even the ones started by the erstwhile government.
He revealed plans to accelerate and complete the Kejetia Market Phase 2, Suame Interchange, Krofrom and Mamponteng Markets, Afari Military Hospital, Sewua Regional Hospital, and the Okomfo Anokye Maternity and Children’s Block.
According to the President, rehabilitation of the Baba Yara Sports Stadium and the KNUST Medical Center are also on the agenda and touched on the government’s signature infrastructure policy.
“We are moving boldly with our big push agenda. The World Bank estimates that Ghana has a deficit of infrastructure valued at $1.5 billion every year.
“The big push agenda is a $10 billion infrastructure program which will span five years at a rate of $2 billion a year. This will prioritize strategic infrastructure to unlock national productivity”
President John Dramani Mahama
Kumasi Bypass and National Connectivity
A major component of this agenda is the Greater Kumasi Bypass. Mahama explained that the first quadrant of the bypass would divert heavy-duty trucks away from central Kumasi, easing congestion and improving safety in the city.
“It will go through Ejisu and link the Mampong and Techiman Roads,” he said, adding that drivers who make the trip will then turn right at Ejisu and appear on the Techiman road and continue on their way to Burkina Faso and Mali.
Additional road works have been earmarked for the Tepa, Manso, and Adanse areas to ensure comprehensive regional development.
“In the aviation sector, the contract has been awarded and the contractor is mobilizing to sites for the extension of the runway of the Prempeh International Airport.
“This will allow larger aircraft to land and enhance Kumasi’s global connectivity with the rest of the world. Making it a gateway for international travel, investment, and tourism”
President John Dramani Mahama
The President also revealed that plans for the long-anticipated Accra-Kumasi Expressway are advancing with feasibility and design work in progress. “God willing, we shall cut the sword early next year for the start of this iconic project,” President Mahama announced.
With these pledges, President Mahama reaffirmed the Ashanti Region’s role as a central pillar in Ghana’s economic and developmental aspirations, promising a government defined by action, gratitude, and delivery.
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