President John Dramani Mahama has expressed profound gratitude to the people of the Ashanti Region for their decisive role in his 2024 electoral victory and has promised a renewed commitment to transform the region through a sweeping infrastructure agenda.
Speaking at a grand durbar of chiefs, clergy, business leaders, party executives, volunteers, and supporters during his Thank You Tour in Kumasi on Wednesday, July 16, Mahama described his return as a moment of humility and shared purpose.
“It is with deep humility and a grateful heart that I return to the Ashanti Region not only to express my sincere appreciation but also to renew our shared commitment to rebuilding and transforming our beloved country,” Mahama said.
The president highlighted the symbolic significance of the Ashanti Region’s contribution to his victory, noting that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) secured 7 parliamentary seats and 34.45% percent of the presidential votes in a region historically regarded as an opposition stronghold.
“This was not only unprecedented but profoundly symbolic,” Mahama stated. “It shows that Ghanaians rise above partisanship when the national interest is at stake.”
He expressed gratitude to the region’s traditional leaders, acknowledging their moral guidance and counsel. “You are custodians of our culture and conscience. You welcomed us into your palaces and always offered advice on how to conduct a peaceful and respectful campaign,” he said, pledging continued partnership with them for the peace and progress of the region.
Mahama also praised the youth, women, party executives, polling agents, and volunteers whose “energy and passion powered the campaign,” saying their sacrifices have laid the foundation for national renewal.
While commending the region’s economic importance endowed with gold, cocoa, timber, and a rich culture Mahama lamented the visible neglect and infrastructural decay in Ashanti.
“Kumasi, once known as the Garden City of West Africa, now grapples with traffic congestion, mismanagement, and overstretched infrastructure. Many roads are in bad condition, schools and hospitals have been abandoned, and our youth are full of potential but starved of opportunity,” he said.
He cited the abandoned military hospital, which has remained incomplete for more than eight years, and the stalled Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital projects, including the university’s medical center, as glaring examples of neglect.
“The people of Ashanti and Ghana deserve better. That is why I have directed that no viable project will be abandoned under my administration, regardless of who started it. We are a government of continuity and results,” he declared.
President Mahama listed several ongoing projects to be completed in the region, including The Kejetia/Kumasi Central Market Phase II Project, with accelerated work to enable its opening next year.
He assured that the government will ensure the completion of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital’s maternity and children’s block, finalization of the 44 Military Hospital and the regional hospital at Sewua, Rehabilitation of the Baba Yara Stadium, completion of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology Medical Center and completion of the Krofrom and Mamponteng markets.
“These are not just projects. They are lifelines for trade, healthcare, and jobs,” he said.
President Mahama reiterated his administration’s “Big Push” agenda, a $10 billion infrastructure program to be implemented over five years, averaging $2 billion annually.
“The World Bank estimates that Ghana has an infrastructure deficit valued at $1.5 billion every year. The Big Push agenda is our bold response,” he explained.
The president concluded by assuring the chiefs and people of Ashanti that his government will not rest until every stalled project is completed and new initiatives are rolled out to restore Kumasi’s status as the Garden City and strengthen the region’s role as a vital engine of Ghana’s economy.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Isaac Justice Bediako
