The Volta Region is witnessing an unprecedented wave of development under President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda, with more than 618 major projects either completed or at various stages of implementation across all 18 Municipal and District Assemblies (MDAs), Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has disclosed.
According to the Minister, the region is benefiting significantly from the government’s flagship development programmes, including the proposed Keta Port project, sea defence works, road construction under the “Big Push” infrastructure initiative, and expanded water supply projects.
Mr. Gunu, who made this disclosure during President Mahama’s two-day working visit to the region under the government’s Resetting Ghana agenda said more projects are in the pipeline.
Education Receiving Major Boost
The Minister revealed that over 971 GETFund-funded projects are currently underway across the region, benefiting all 68 public Senior High Schools (SHSs) and Senior High Technical Schools (SHTSs).
The projects comprise classroom blocks, dormitories, administration buildings, staff accommodation, dining halls and sanitation facilities.
He attributed the rapid pace of development to the government’s decision to release 80 per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund directly to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to accelerate local development.
Health & Water Projects
Mr. Gunu said the government is also expanding healthcare infrastructure across the region through the construction of 62 Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds.
Out of the total number, 36 have been completed while 26 remain under construction.
He further disclosed that 180 borehole projects have been awarded across the region, with 89 already completed and the remaining 91 currently under construction.
The Minister noted that communities including Anyako, Konu, Seva and neighbouring settlements, which had experienced acute water shortages for more than two decades, are now receiving potable water through government intervention.
Mr. Gunu announced that all 18 districts in the Volta Region are set to benefit from the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Market Programme after President Mahama performed the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of one modern market in each district.
He further disclosed plans to establish a 1,500-acre industrial park at Adaklu under the 24-Hour Economy policy to drive industrialisation, attract investment and create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth.
Highlighting government’s commitment to youth development, the Regional Minister said about 1,000 girls have received Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training, while 900 laptops have been distributed under the One Million Coders Programme.
He also announced that the National Apprenticeship Programme has supported 1,758 master craftsmen and apprentices in the region, while the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) has provided assistance to 332 beneficiaries.
According to him, the Youth Employment Initiative has created jobs for 3,379 young people under its various modules.
Mr. Gunu disclosed that several state institutions, including the National Signals Bureau, National Buffer Stock Company, National Pensions Regulatory Authority, Health Facilities Regulatory Agency (HeFRA) and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), have decentralised aspects of their operations to the Volta Region, creating employment opportunities and improving service delivery.
He also highlighted the Regional Coordinating Council’s “Water for All Project,” which is being implemented in collaboration with the National Security Secretariat, development partners, non-governmental organisations and private individuals to improve access to potable water.
The Minister further announced the establishment of the Volta Youth Development Fund, which currently has about GH¢500,000 to support young entrepreneurs.
He disclosed that he has personally committed 10 per cent of his monthly salary to the fund and appealed to corporate organisations, development partners and individuals to contribute towards its expansion.
Mr. Gunu expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the opportunity to serve the people of the Volta Region and commended traditional authorities, Members of Parliament, government appointees and development partners for their continued support in advancing the region’s development.
Two-Day Working Visit
President Mahama’s two-day tour of the Volta Region formed part of his nationwide Resetting Ghana initiative aimed at assessing ongoing projects and engaging citizens on government policies.
The President was accompanied by National Democratic Congress (NDC) General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketiah, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, national and regional party executives, and senior government officials.
The tour commenced at Juapong, where President Mahama cut the sod for the construction of 18 modern 24-Hour Economy Model Markets—one in each Municipal and District Assembly in the region.
The markets are expected to stimulate local commerce, create employment and promote economic growth under the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy Programme.
The President later inspected the newly completed 1,500-seat multipurpose assembly hall at Peki College of Education before visiting the ongoing Asikuma-Ho Road project under the “Big Push” infrastructure programme.
Expressing satisfaction with the progress of work, President Mahama said he was confident the road project would be completed ahead of schedule.
He also inspected the Multi-Purpose Laboratory Complex at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, describing the facility as a major investment in medical education, scientific research, disease surveillance and healthcare delivery.
During the visit, the President held a public engagement on the government’s Free Primary Healthcare Programme, outlining measures to improve access to quality healthcare nationwide.
On the second day of the tour, President Mahama inspected the Ho Sports Stadium and announced plans to transform the ageing facility into a modern multi-purpose sports and entertainment complex capable of hosting international sporting events.
The President also held a Citizens’ Engagement and Town Hall Meeting at Ho Technical University, where he interacted with traditional leaders, students, youth groups, civil society organisations and residents.
The forum provided Ministers responsible for Health, Roads and Highways, Transport, Tourism, Sports and Recreation, and Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs the opportunity to present updates on projects and policy interventions being implemented across the region, while residents raised concerns and made recommendations on issues affecting local development.
The President concluded the tour at Ave-Dakpa, where he commissioned the newly completed Akatsi North District Police Headquarters, describing the facility as a significant investment in strengthening security and enhancing policing in the district.
Throughout the visit, President Mahama received enthusiastic welcomes from traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour unions, youth organisations, students, government officials and residents, reflecting strong public interest in the government’s development agenda for the Volta Region.
