President John Dramani Mahama, on his Thank You tour to the Bono East Region, delivered a powerful and heartfelt address to the people, whom he said played an instrumental role in his electoral victory during the 2024 general elections, reaffirming his unwavering commitment to Ghana’s development.
This symbolic return to his in-laws, the region being the birthplace of his wife, Lordina Mahama, according to him, was not only filled with gratitude but also an articulation of his vision to reset Ghana through deliberate and inclusive development.
From the onset of his address, President Mahama struck a tone of warmth and reflection, delivering greetings from both his wife and Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who he assured the crowd had resumed duties in good health.
“I returned to my in-laws to say thank you to you. For your overwhelming support in the 2024 general elections. You stood strongly behind me. You voted for the reset agenda. You voted for the truth; you voted for unity, and you voted for development. And today I return with a solemn promise that I will not betray your faith in me.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
His return to the Bono East Region, he emphasised, was not ceremonial but a sincere expression of appreciation for the overwhelming support received during the election and a reaffirmation of his government’s commitment to deliver on the promises captured in the NDC’s 2024 People’s Manifesto.
President Mahama praised the traditional authorities in Bono East for the wisdom and support they offered during the campaign, noting that their counsel significantly contributed to his electoral success.
He lauded the youth, women, party volunteers, and polling agents who invested their energy, creativity, and conviction in securing the victory that brought the National Democratic Congress (NDC) back into government. “You are the true heroes of this victory,” he declared.
Governace and Inclusion
Touching on governance and inclusion, President Mahama highlighted the key appointments from Bono East that reflect the region’s strategic role in the Reset Ghana agenda.
He singled out the Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, now Minister for Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, and Hon. Emmanuel Kojo Agyekum, Minister of State in charge of Special Initiatives.
Others serving in key national agencies were also recognised, including Dr. Isaac Adebsa (CEO, Gratis Foundation), Steven Acquah (Deputy CEO, Tree Crop Development Authority), Viviana Santi Owusu (Deputy CEO, MASLOC), Mohammed Masawood (Deputy CEO, Ghana Heavy Equipment Limited), and Philip Oppong Amponsah (Deputy CEO, Ghana Integrated Iron and Steel Development Corporation), among others.
“In addition, several others from this region are rendering valuable service to our reset agenda on governing councils and boards. And this includes Mr John Owusu Agyemang, Mr Moses Okra, Mr Ernest Ameyaw, and Ms Patience Daakoa”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
Economic Turnaround
Acknowledging the country’s dire economic situation upon assuming office in January 2025, President Mahama gave an honest assessment of the inherited state of the economy, characterised by high inflation, ballooning debt, and a weak currency, however, he noted that his government chose not to dwell on blame but to act decisively.
“In March, our administration presented the 2025 budget statement and economic policy to parliament. It was unanchored on the principles of fiscal discipline, reprioritisation of spending, and the urgent need to restore macroeconomic stability.
“We trimmed non-essential expenditure and redirected resources to national priorities outlined in the NDC manifesto and mainly in the area of agriculture, education, infrastructure, health and jobs.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
Encouraging signs, he noted, are beginning to emerge with inflation declining, the cedi is stabilising, and investor confidence is being restored.
He extended his appreciation to the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama and their respective teams for the coordinated efforts that led to this economic turnaround.
He also commended the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other drivers’ unions for their decision to reduce transport fares, a move aimed at easing the financial burdens of ordinary Ghanaians.
Infrastructure Development
Infrastructure development, particularly road construction, was a central focus of President Mahama’s message. Under the NDC’s “Big Push” agenda, he disclosed that GHS 15 billion has been earmarked for road improvements, with Bono East featuring prominently.
Among the roads to be rehabilitated or constructed are the Asuaye-Mesidan Road, Ofuman-Wenchi Road, Sunyani-Nkoranza Road, Techiman-Wenchi Road, Atebubu-Kajeji Road, and the Kintampo-Prang Road.
The completion of these roads, President Mahama emphasised, would facilitate trade, especially for farmers, and significantly reduce travel time and transportation costs.
According to the President, a landmark project in Techiman — a 54-kilometre Outer Ring Road — is also underway. The Department of Urban Roads, he stated, has already initiated the engineering designs for the project, which is expected to divert heavy traffic from the central business district and improve road safety.
“The Ring Road would allow the big, heavily loaded trucks that are going to Burkina Faso and other northern destinations, instead of passing through the centre of Techiman, they will use the Outer Ring Road and continue on their journey.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
This, according to President Mahama, is part of a broader national strategy to construct outer ring roads in major cities, including Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Sunyani, and Tamale.
Commitment to Quality Education
On education, the President reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind. He pledged to complete all abandoned e-blocks, many of which are located in the Bono East Region.
Additionally, President Mahama announced that his government has/will absorb first-year academic fees for students entering public tertiary institutions and offer free tertiary education for persons with disabilities.
Significantly, President Mahama revealed that plans are underway for the establishment of two major higher education institutions in the region: a Technical University in Techiman, with land secured at Forikrom, and the University of Health and Life Sciences in Kintampo.
“ We believe that technical education is essential for industrial growth and job creation, and with this, and with these institutions, we aim to bridge the skills gap and create opportunities for the youth of the region”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
Responding to enthusiastic chants from the crowd about “Alawa” — a colloquial term for trainee allowances — President Mahama confirmed that provision had been made in the budget for the payment of teacher and nursing trainee allowances beginning from January 2025.
He explained that the delay was due to the restructuring of the payment system to integrate allowances into the Controller and Accountant General’s payroll platform, which will ensure regular and consistent monthly disbursements along with arrears.
Boosting Agriculture
Turning to agriculture, President Mahama described the Bono East Region as the “breadbasket of Ghana” and underscored its critical role in the government’s agriculture-for-wealth-creation strategy.
He underscored the significance of the region hosting the official launch of the “Feed Ghana” program in March 2025.
The initiative is designed to modernise agriculture and make it attractive to the youth, with plans to invest in small-scale irrigation, provide subsidised fertilisers and improved seeds, ensure mechanisation services, and reduce post-harvest losses through warehouse and cold chain infrastructure.
A key target of the program is to revamp the cashew processing factory in Tiabodam, demonstrating a commitment to value addition and industrial development in the agricultural sector.
Commitment to Local Development
On decentralisation and local governance, President Mahama charged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to actively engage communities in the formulation of the 2026-2029 medium-term development plan.
He emphasised that 80% of the District Assemblies Common Fund would be sent directly to the districts, allowing for local prioritisation of development needs.
He warned, however, that accountability mechanisms have been established and MMDCEs will be evaluated annually based on their performance in utilising the funds.
“You are going to get your full money, and we are sending you the guidelines that the Cabinet approved at the last cabinet meeting to show you how the money has to be disbursed.
“And we’re going to use it as your key performance indicators. Every year, we will see how you’ve done with the district assemblies’ common fund, and based on that, we will decide whether you stay or go”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
Security concerns in the Eastern corridor of Bono East were also addressed. President Mahama acknowledged the rise in criminal activities, particularly around Atebubu and adjacent communities.
He assured residents that his government is equipping the police with patrol vehicles, communication tools, and strengthening community policing to stem the tide of armed robbery and insecurity. “Peace,” he reminded the crowd, “is not the absence of conflict; it is the presence of justice and protection.”
Spiritual Unity and Ghana’s Thanksgiving
On a note of spiritual unity and gratitude, President Mahama announced the introduction of a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving to be held annually on July 1st — Ghana’s Republic Day. The observance, he noted, will involve both Christians and Muslims in recognition of the divine favour upon the nation.
He also reiterated his commitment to religious inclusiveness, citing the reduction of Hajj fares from GHS 75,000 to GHS 62,000, and the tabling of a bill to permanently add a day to the Eid al-Fitr holiday for Muslim celebrants.
In closing, President Mahama’s address in the Bono East Region not only echoed appreciation but served as a reaffirmation of the NDC government’s policy direction and social contract with the people of Ghana.
“So, in conclusion, I wish to assure you, my brothers and sisters, that Ghana will work again. Ladies and gentlemen, I returned to the presidency to lead I returned to the presidency to rebuild our country. I return to the presidency to restore our dignity, and I return to the presidency to establish my legacy.”
HE President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama pledged to work to the best of his ability for Ghanaians and make sure that the standard his administration set will be a standard that all governments coming after him will not go below that standard.
Together, President Mahama noted that his administration has commenced the reset agenda, asserting that the signs of progress are visible, but noted that the road ahead requires all Ghanaians to be united.
“It requires us to, and it calls for continued trust in leadership. Let us not be discouraged by the size of the task before us. Let us be energised by the greatness of our mission to build a Ghana that works for all of us and not just a few of our citizens.
“I’m here because you believed in me and you believed that Ghana, our dear country, can rise again. And I assure you, our country, Ghana, shall rise and become the envy of Africa”.
HE President John Dramani Mahama
The themes of unity, accountability, infrastructural transformation, inclusive education, food security, and peace ran consistently throughout his speech, underscoring his administration’s intent to steer the nation towards sustainable recovery and inclusive prosperity.
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