President John Dramani Mahama has outlined a wide range of development projects underway in the Volta Region, describing them as part of a broader effort to fulfil the confidence Ghanaians placed in his administration.
Speaking at a Citizen Engagement session at Ho Technical University during his two day Resetting Ghana Tour of the Volta Region, President Mahama said his visit was not to seek another mandate from the people but to account for the progress made since they voted for him.
He used a banking analogy to describe the relationship between his administration and citizens in the Volta Region, saying the votes received in the 2024 election represented a trust that must be honoured through delivery.
“So I’ll just touch on a few of the things they’ve covered most, and so I’ll just weave it all together. And to say that in 2024, I came to the World Bank for a loan, and that loan was in the form of votes, and you didn’t hesitate – you credited my accounts with 90.2% of the votes”.
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama added that his engagement with the people was focused on reporting progress rather than seeking additional political support. “And so today, when I’ve come here, I’m not coming for another loan. I’m coming to tell you the deposit I’ve made in your bank.”
Volta to benefit from major road investment
The President said his administration has maintained fiscal discipline by avoiding borrowing from the international market for about one and a half years before recently presenting two loan agreements to Parliament.
He explained that one of the approved facilities is a $500 million World Bank agreement dedicated to feeder roads, with the Volta Region expected to receive a significant share of the investment.
“One is a $500 million World Bank agreement for feeder roads, and I want to announce that Volta Region, you have your fair share of that $500 million,” he said. The investment is expected to improve rural connectivity, support agricultural production, and enhance movement between communities across the region.
The second facility, valued at $300 million, will support efforts to eliminate the double track system in Ghana’s secondary schools. President Mahama said the government aims to ensure that by 2027 no student remains on double track.
“We’re building 16 new secondary schools, and then we’re expanding the facilities in all the existing secondary schools so that all the children can go to school at the same time and vacate at the same time”.
President John Dramani Mahama
Ho Teaching Hospital set for major expansion
President Mahama also announced plans to revive negotiations for a $200 million financing facility to upgrade the Ho Teaching Hospital. He explained that the funding arrangement, which was negotiated during his visit to Korea, was affected by Ghana’s debt restructuring programme. However, he said discussions are being restarted to secure the facility.
The expansion, according to the President, will increase the hospital’s capacity by an additional 500 beds and improve healthcare delivery in the region.
UHAS expansion to strengthen medical research
President Mahama also highlighted progress at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), describing the institution as a major national investment that continues to grow.
He said he inspected the new laboratory complex being developed at UHAS, a project whose foundation was laid during his previous presidency. “When it’s completed, UHAS would have the biggest laboratory complex in the whole of West Africa,” he said.
The facility will include advanced research laboratories, a simulation centre for medical training, and a pathology laboratory with a mortuary. President Mahama explained that the simulation centre would allow students to practise medical procedures before engaging in real clinical environments.
“The students are going to be able to simulate doing operations, surgeries on people. The nurses are going to be able to simulate how to look after a patient and all that.” He added that the university is working with the National Vaccine Institute to establish a pathogen research laboratory capable of supporting vaccine development.
“The only laboratory we have for pathogen research in this country is the Noguchi Memorial Institute, and that means that they’re going to be able to research on pathogens, and they’re going to work with the National Vaccine Institute to be able to produce vaccinations right here at home.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The President acknowledged that UHAS still requires additional lecture halls and student accommodation but pledged continued government support. “UHAS has come a long way… It has grown from strength to strength, and I can assure you that UHAS continues to be our baby because it was the vision of Professor John Atta Mills.”
Ho Airport to become aviation and training hub
President Mahama said government is exploring new opportunities to maximise the use of the Ho Airport, which has experienced limited commercial activity due to the short distance between Ho and Accra.
He explained that airports serve broader economic purposes beyond passenger travel and said Ho Airport could support regional connectivity, aviation training, aircraft maintenance, and private aviation services.
“We must look at connectivity. For instance, combine Tamale, Kumasi, Ho. You can bring Kumasi passengers, drop them, continue to Ho, and drop the passengers there”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He announced plans to establish a pilot training school at the airport, which will also train aeronautical engineers responsible for aircraft maintenance. The facility is expected to create new opportunities in Ghana’s aviation sector while attracting regional users.
New housing and commercial projects boost Ho economy
President Mahama also spoke about the development of Oxygen City, a housing project being undertaken on land allocated to the Tema Development Corporation near the Ho Airport.
He said the project demonstrates the expansion of TDC’s mandate beyond Tema and will contribute to real estate growth in the area. “I’ve seen some of the videos of the work that is going on there. They started with the road infrastructure. And actually, I’ve started with some of the houses in the estate.”
He added that the project’s location near the airport could attract people seeking residential opportunities in Ho.
Markets and stadium project to create new opportunities
The President said work on the Aflao Market project is progressing, with feasibility studies, designs, land acquisition, and approvals completed. “The feasibility study and design have been done. The commitment authorisation has been given by the finance minister. And so they are now going for procurement and to hold a tender.”
He added that the Aflao Market forms part of a wider programme to construct 18 markets across districts in the Volta Region. President Mahama also announced plans to redevelop the Ho Stadium into a modern multi purpose facility.
He said the stadium would not only host sporting events but also include restaurants, shops, entertainment spaces, and commercial activities to ensure it operates throughout the week. The President said the redesigned facility would support sports, business, and leisure activities while contributing to the economic growth of Ho.
Through investments in transport, education, healthcare, housing, agriculture, and urban development, President Mahama said his administration is working to strengthen the Volta Region and ensure that residents benefit from national development.
READ ALSO: Keta Port Gains Momentum as President Mahama Details Investor and Railway Plans
