President John Dramani Mahama has pledged a sweeping infrastructure renewal agenda for the Eastern Region, highlighting his government’s commitment to inclusive development and continuity.

Speaking at his “Thank You Tour” rally held at Jackson Park in Koforidua, President Mahama expressed profound appreciation to the people of the Eastern Region for their overwhelming support in the December 7, 2024, general elections, which saw his return to the presidency in a landslide victory.

“I stand before you today with a heart full of gratitude. You did not just vote for me. You voted for hope, for jobs, and for a better Ghana. On behalf of my party leadership, including our National Chairman, Johnson Asiedu Nketiah and our General Secretary, Fifi Fiavi Kwetey, I say thank you, Eastern Region. Your faith in us will not go unfulfilled.”
President John Dramani Mahama

In an address that balanced gratitude with policy direction, President Mahama reflected on some of his administration’s major accomplishments since assuming office six months ago.

He pointed to the successful implementation of key social policies such as the No Fees, No Stress policy, which has eliminated fees for all first-year students at all public tertiary institutions, along with the payment of nursing and teacher trainee allowances.

He also mentioned the launch of the National Apprenticeship Programme, aimed at equipping young Ghanaians with employable skills, and the 24-hour economy policy, which is gradually taking shape to expand job creation and productivity across various sectors.

Infrastructure Boost

Turning to infrastructure, President Mahama revealed that the government has commenced the rollout of the $10 billion Big Push Initiative, an ambitious capital investment programme aimed at bridging the estimated $1.5 billion infrastructure gap highlighted in the World Bank’s recent reports on Ghana.

Under this initiative, a minimum of $2 billion will be invested every year, in critical sectors, including roads, schools, and hospitals, across all regions, with the Eastern Region among the regions to benefit.

“Let me be clear, we are not here to abandon projects. We are here to complete what was started and to expand upon it. The Eastern Regional Hospital project, which was initiated by the previous administration, will not be left to rot. We will complete it to serve the people of this region.”
President John Dramani Mahama

President Mahama also announced a number of major infrastructure projects specifically earmarked for the Eastern Region under the Big Push.

These include the dualization of the Koforidua-Apedwa road, which is expected to ease travel and boost commercial activity in the area. Additionally, the Osino-Ayinem bypass project will be finalised to improve road safety and ease congestion.

He also confirmed the construction of a modern bridge over the Afraim River, a project long demanded by residents for improved connectivity and flood resilience.

Water infrastructure was not left out of the president’s priorities. He promised that the Eastern Regional Water Expansion Project would be executed to bring reliable potable water to over one million residents, a move that will significantly reduce water insecurity and related health risks in the region.

Representation

Beyond infrastructure, President Mahama took time to highlight the Eastern Region’s strong representation in his administration.

“The Eastern Region has not been left out of national governance,” he said, pointing to key appointments from the region that have been instrumental in shaping national policy and administration.

These include Julius Debrah as Chief of Staff, Professor Alex Kwaku Danso-Boafo as Cabinet Secretary, and Dr. Edward Omane Boamah as Minister for Defence.

Other prominent appointments from the region include George Opare Addo Esq, serving as Minister for Youth Development and Empowerment, Rita Akosua Adjei Awatey as Eastern Regional Minister, Thomas Ampem Nyarko as Deputy Minister for Finance, and Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi as Deputy Minister for the Interior.

President Mahama also noted Marietta Brew Appiah-Oppong’s dual role as Legal Advisor to the President and Chair of the Governing Council of the University of Ghana, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo as Political Aide to the Vice President and Board Chairman of COCOBOD, and Dr. Victor Asare Bampoe as CEO of the National Health Insurance Authority.

Additionally, Mark Kevor Oliver serves as Director-General of the National Information Technology Agency (NITA), while Margaret Ansei (Magoo) is Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Enterprise Agency.

Ing. Kwadwo Twum Boafo also serves as head of the Financial Intelligence Centre, among other distinguished appointees. “The Eastern Region is well-represented at the highest levels of decision-making,” he remarked.

President Mahama concluded his remarks with a renewed promise of partnership with the people of the region and a call for continued unity and civic responsibility.

The event at Jackson Park was filled with excitement and a renewed sense of purpose as party supporters, traditional leaders, youth groups, and residents applauded the President’s message of gratitude and commitment.