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President John Dramani Mahama has assured the chiefs and people of the Eastern Region of his commitment and readiness to complete the regional hospital in Koforidua.
He also pledged that his government would continue with all projects initiated by the previous administration, except those for which contractors had already been paid twice.
President Mahama gave the assurance at a grand durbar of chiefs and people held at Jackson Park in Koforidua last Sunday (July 20), during his “Thank You” tour of the region.
The event brought together a large gathering of chiefs, queenmothers, students, and people from all walks of life, who converged at the park to welcome the President amidst cheers and admiration.
President Mahama’s tour was accompanied by some national executives of the party as well as ministers of state and ambassadors, including the National Chairman of the NDC, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, the General Secretary, Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, Minister of Defence, Dr Omane Boamah, and Deputy Minister of the Interior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, among others.
President Mahama emphasised that although the NDC administration would not abandon ongoing projects, it would also not tolerate irregularities, especially instances where contractors had been paid twice for the same project. “Those responsible for such malpractices will be dealt with,” he assured.
He stated that he would not fail the people regarding his campaign promises, citing the implementation of the no stress fee policy for first-year university students as one such fulfilled promise.
Mr Mahama further told the gathering that the NDC government would construct a 3.6-kilometre bridge over the River Afram in the Eastern Region, along with approximately 100 kilometres of road network to open up the Afram Plains.
The project, he noted, is expected to enhance economic development, foster regional integration, and generate income through agriculture and other sectors.
The “Big Push” plan, Mr Mahama stated, is a GH¢10 billion infrastructure programme focused on developing critical infrastructure in the country, including roads, schools, and hospitals.
“It forms part of the government’s infrastructure effort to boost agricultural productivity, stimulate economic growth, and reduce poverty.
“The bridge, when completed, will connect the Eastern, Ashanti, and Oti Regions in a very strategic way. It will open up the area for large-scale agriculture and investment in agro-processing,” President Mahama stated.
He also thanked the chiefs and people of the region for their massive votes, which contributed to the NDC’s victory in the December 7 general elections.
For his part, the President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, Nene Sakite II, who is also the Konor of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, said the House was committed to working with the government to advance national development.
He appealed to President Mahama to urgently address the region’s infrastructure challenges, particularly in roads, education, and health.
Nene Sakite noted that roads across Kroboland were in a deplorable state, and called for immediate action to address the situation to improve the living conditions of residents.
The Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area, Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, who welcomed President Mahama to the region, said his visit was a clear demonstration of his respect for traditional leadership and commitment to inclusive governance.
“I have personally recognised and commend your efforts. Since your assumption of office, we have witnessed the stabilisation of the exchange rate, which has restored confidence in the economy and provided relief to many businesses,” he said.
Daasebre Kwaku Boateng also commended President Mahama for the introduction of the ‘no stress fee’ policy for first-year university students, saying it had already eased the burden on many parents and families across the country.
He appealed to the President to reconstruct the Koforidua Central Market to help decongest the area, stating that the health and safety conditions there could no longer be guaranteed.
He further urged President Mahama to complete the Eastern Regional Hospital, which was started under the previous administration’s Agenda 111 initiative, to ensure accessible healthcare delivery for the people of the region.
