President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to transforming the Upper East Region through major investments in roads, aviation infrastructure, water systems and rural electrification, declaring that the region is central to the administration’s Big Push development agenda.
The President made the pledge when he received the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs at the seat of government during a courtesy visit, the first official engagement of its kind since he assumed office.
Welcoming the chiefs, President Mahama described their visit as both symbolic and deeply personal, likening it to parents visiting a son in a new home to ensure he has settled well.
He expressed gratitude for the prayers, blessings and support he received from traditional authorities during the election campaign, noting that their role in maintaining peace and cohesion at the local level remains indispensable to national development.
According to the President, the government is investing ten billion dollars over five years under the Big Push programme, with a significant portion directed at road infrastructure.
“And so for instance, we want to connect the Upper East to the Upper West through Tumu. From Bolga through Navrongo and through Tumu all the way to Wa with a first-class road.”
President John Dramani Mahama
He explained that the project is not only of economic importance but also carries personal significance, recalling journeys his father once made along the same route to visit friends in Tumu.
President Mahama stressed that the government is determined to deliver the project where previous generations could not. To accelerate progress, the road construction is being broken into multiple lots and awarded to different contractors to ensure simultaneous work and faster completion.
He said the initiative would significantly improve connectivity between the northern and southern sectors of the country, reduce travel time and enhance the movement of goods and people across the regions.
Construction of New Airport and Water Supply
Beyond roads, the President announced concrete steps toward the construction of an airport in Bolgatanga. He revealed that a government delegation had recently inspected land earmarked for the project and confirmed its suitability.
“By courtesy of the Majority Leader and his members of Parliament, they approved a new airport infrastructure development levy. And so the airport is to be funded out of that levy.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama indicated that sod cutting for the Bolgatanga Airport would take place soon, adding that he intends to personally visit the site with traditional leaders to officially commence construction.
He described the airport as a critical investment that would open up the region, improve access, stimulate trade and tourism, and integrate the Upper East more fully into the national economy.
Addressing water challenges in the region, the President said government is examining areas where access to potable water remains difficult, with the aim of enhancing water systems to increase supply for communities.
He acknowledged that water scarcity continues to constrain livelihoods and development in parts of the region and assured the chiefs that interventions would form part of the broader infrastructure push.
Electricity Expansion
On energy, President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to extending electricity to unserved rural communities. He noted that allocations for rural electrification have already been made in the national budget, and Members of Parliament are currently identifying communities yet to be connected to the national grid.
He emphasized that the electrification programme will be financed entirely with domestic resources, without recourse to loans. According to the President, Ghanaian contractors will be engaged to carry out the rural electrification works, ensuring that the programme also supports local businesses and job creation.
He said the initiative aligns with the government’s broader objective of using public investment to stimulate domestic capacity while expanding access to essential services.
President Mahama also underscored the critical role of chiefs in governance, particularly at the local level. He described traditional authorities as pillars of stability who mediate conflicts, resolve disputes and help preserve peace within their communities.
He noted that without peace, development efforts cannot succeed, urging chiefs to continue working to maintain harmony so that government investments can thrive.
He praised the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs for their contribution to conflict resolution and social cohesion, stressing that their influence remains vital in ensuring that development initiatives deliver tangible benefits to the people.
The President reiterated that the government values the partnership between the state and traditional institutions as a cornerstone of effective governance.
The visit, President Mahama said, reinforces his administration’s recognition of the importance of inclusive leadership that respects tradition while pursuing modern development goals. He assured the chiefs that their counsel and support would remain essential as government rolls out major projects across the region.
The Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, in turn, expressed appreciation for the engagement and welcomed the government’s commitment to addressing longstanding infrastructure gaps. The interaction highlighted a shared vision of development anchored in peace, partnership and sustained investment.
As the Big Push programme gathers momentum, the President’s assurances signal a renewed focus on closing regional disparities and positioning the Upper East as an integral part of Ghana’s growth story.
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