President John Dramani Mahama has assured Dagbon of its fair share of government development for as long as he remains in office. He gave the pledge on Monday, October 19, 2026, when the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II, paid a courtesy visit to him at the Presidency, Jubilee House.
President Mahama disclosed that the government has secured funding for water systems in Tamale, Damongo and Yendi and has financed new pumps at the Dalun waterworks to raise supply in Tamale from November.
He tied development to the peace Dagbon now enjoys, stating that it must show up in better livelihoods for the people in the entire kingdom.
“As long as I remain President, Dagbon shall receive its fair share of any development that my government is undertaking.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama listed the sectors that will stay central to the partnership between government and traditional authorities. They include rural communities, education, healthcare, agricultural livelihoods and water.
He framed the promise as the next step after peace. The people of Dagbon deserve to see the peace they enjoy “reflected in better livelihoods, stronger public services and greater opportunities for their children,” he stated.
Three Water Systems Win Funding
The President announced that the government has secured funding for the water systems in Tamale, Damongo and Yendi. He explained that the Minister of Finance travelled to the European Union, where the financing received approval, and that work on the three systems will begin soon.
The announcement follows the Finance Minister’s disclosure of a €323 million financing package for the Northern Ghana Water and Sanitation Project. The Regent also raised the project, stating that the palace thanks the President for securing the funds for the Tamale and Damongo systems.
President Mahama did not ask residents to wait for the larger project. He disclosed that the government has paid for the replacement of the old pumps at the Dalun waterworks.
“By next month in November, when the new pumps start working, Tamale will already see an increase in water supply even before the EU project.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The pump replacement addresses a shortage that has stretched households, schools and places of worship in the city.
Palace Guidance and Local Coordination
President Mahama welcomed the palace’s guidance on any other pressing needs in Dagbon’s communities. He stated that close cooperation with the relevant ministries, regional coordinating councils and district assemblies will help the government meet the priorities of the people.
Matters needing follow-up, he added, will go to the appropriate ministers and officials. The President also pointed to young people. “We must work together to keep our children in school, to support their skills training and create opportunities that give young people confidence in their future,” he told the delegation.
The Regent matched that offer with one of his own. He pledged to work with the government so that every programme it implements reaches the people in the traditional areas.
He placed the palace’s systems at the government’s disposal for mobilising youth, acquiring land, traditional arbitration and public education. President Mahama described the relationship as a partnership between government and traditional authorities.
He has asked the palace to help the government identify needs, and he wished the Regent wisdom, health and strength as he leads Dagbon through this period. The Regent prayed for President Mahama and for Ghana.
