The Volta Regional House of Chiefs paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency on Thursday to discuss regional development and renew their partnership with the government.
President Mahama used the meeting to update the traditional leaders on progress made since his thank you tour of the Volta Region after the 2024 elections, where he promised that their voices and concerns would be central to his national agenda.
“I wish to reaffirm that commitment to you today. We have kick-started the administration and in doing so have ensured that citizens from the Volta Region are honoured with key positions in my government,” President Mahama told the chiefs.
The president thanked the chiefs for their warm welcome and steadfast support shown to him over the years, describing his visit to the region as the first stop on his journey of gratitude after the elections.
During the meeting, President Mahama mentioned major infrastructure projects planned for the region under the $10 billion Big Push programme, including completion of the Eastern Corridor Road and a 10 kilometers per constituency road reconstruction project covering all 18 constituencies in the region.
The president announced that the Agavedzi Sea Defence Project is currently underway, with construction ongoing to protect coastal communities from tidal wave destruction.
“I went and cut the sword and indeed the sea has been pushed back and the grinds are being put in place. This will bring relief to our people on that stretch of road,” he said.
Mahama also revealed plans to transform Ho Airport with a pilot training school and aircraft maintenance facility, positioning the Volta Region as a major participant in the Feed Ghana project.
The president announced that the Ghana Airport Company will release 10 acres of land for the pilot training school and that the region will serve as an agribusiness processing hub.
On security matters, President Mahama promised to review the inland immigration post at Esikuma, Sogakope and joint military and police barriers that have created challenges for regional movement and economic activities.
The president also outlined improvements in education, including full payment of capitation grants to basic schools and dedicated funding for the school feeding programme.
He announced plans to strengthen the institution of chieftaincy through enhanced training and capacity building for traditional leaders, with the Ministry of Local Government, Religious Affairs and Chieftaincy allocating funding for workshops.
The courtesy call reinforced the partnership between traditional leadership and democratic governance, with the president expressing gratitude for the region’s trust and ongoing commitment to national development.
“Together we will realise the vision of a prosperous, unified and resilient Ghana,” he concluded.
Richard Aniagyei, ISD
