UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
By – Sadat Dabo
President John Dramani Mahama has outlined an ambitious development agenda for the Upper East Region, announcing major investments in aviation, education, roads, agriculture, healthcare and peace-building as part of his Resetting Ghana Tour at the Citizens’ Engagement held at Desert Pastures in Bolgatanga to end his two-day Resetting Ghana tour
Addressing chiefs, clergy, government officials, security personnel, students and residents, President Mahama said the proposed Upper East Regional Airport at Sumbrungu is progressing through the procurement stage, with construction expected to commence soon. He noted that the airport would cut travel time between Accra and Bolgatanga to just over an hour, boost economic activity and accommodate all domestic aircraft
On education, the President announced the completion of 30 abandoned E-block senior high schools initiated during his previous administration
He also revealed plans to construct another 30 E-blocks under the STAR-J project and 16 brand-new secondary schools nationwide, with the Upper East Region among the beneficiaries
President Mahama reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure, including the Chuchuliga–Nakong, Chuchuliga–Sandema and Bolgatanga–Navrongo–Wa corridors, promising first-class roads that will enhance transportation and trade across northern Ghana
Highlighting healthcare reforms, President Mahama said the newly launched Free Primary Healthcare Programme will provide free services at CHPS compounds, health centres and polyclinics for all Ghanaians. He explained that the initiative will strengthen preventive healthcare, improve maternal health through regular home visits and antenatal monitoring, and ensure annual medical screening for every citizen
On the economy, President Mahama said Ghana’s economic recovery has exceeded expectations due to fiscal discipline, improved revenue mobilisation and reduced waste. He disclosed that his administration had operated for over a year without submitting any loan agreement to Parliament until recently, describing it as evidence of prudent financial management.
President Mahama announced a “New Economy” policy that will invest US$10 billion over four years across seven strategic sectors, with US$5 billion dedicated to agriculture and agro-processing. He assured the people of the Upper East Region that they would benefit significantly through expanded irrigation, tomato production, rehabilitation of the Pwalugu Tomato Factory, completion of the Tono and Tamne irrigation projects, and increased onion production to reduce imports.
On governance, President Mahama said a Constitutional Review Implementation Committee will soon be inaugurated to drive reforms, with proposed constitutional amendments expected to be presented alongside next year’s District Assembly elections
Commending the Inspector-General of Police and security agencies, the President praised the significant improvement in security across the Upper East Region, particularly the reduction in armed robbery and motorbike theft.
He also celebrated the return of peace to Bawku, expressing optimism that the municipality would regain its status as a thriving commercial hub. To support the recovery, President Mahama announced that a ₵1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund will soon become operational, focusing on road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, the completion of an Agenda 111 hospital and the construction of a new hospital in Bawku
Source – gbcuraonline.com
