President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to equitable national development, assuring the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs that no part of the country will be left behind.
During a courtesy call at the Presidency, the President also briefed the chiefs on efforts to operationalise the University of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences (UEAS) at Bunso, describing it as a key intervention to boost skills development and agro-industrial growth.
Addressing the delegation led by Nene Sakite II, Paramount Chief of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area, President Mahama said the government is capitalising on renewed investor confidence following economic gains recorded since assuming office in January last year.
“We are meeting all our debt obligations. Inflation is down, the currency has appreciated, and we now have a relatively stable macroeconomic environment. The economy is becoming more resilient and is withstanding external shocks, including those arising from the Middle East conflict. We are reaching important milestones and remain focused,” he stated.
He added that following the successful completion of Ghana’s programme with the International Monetary Fund, the government will maintain strict fiscal discipline to sustain economic stability.
Despite these gains, President Mahama acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly in job creation for the youth.
“Government alone cannot absorb the numbers, so we must invest in the private sector to drive industrialisation, as well as in agriculture and other high-potential sectors to create employment,” he noted.
The President further explained that the uncapping of the District Assemblies Common Fund, which allows Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to retain up to 80 percent of their allocations, will enable local authorities to invest in transformative projects such as 24-hour economy markets to stimulate growth nationwide.
He also outlined key social interventions, including the recently launched Free Primary Health Care policy, designed to complement the National Health Insurance Scheme, alongside the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares) and ongoing expansion of health infrastructure to improve access to care.
On stalled projects, President Mahama assured the chiefs that the Eastern Regional Hospital will be completed.
“The Eastern Regional Hospital stalled for a while, but I have directed the contractor to return to site. We will ensure payments are made so the project can be completed,” he said, adding that he will soon cut sod for three new hospital projects in the newly created regions.
In his remarks, Nene Sakite II commended the President for what he described as a positive start to his administration and expressed appreciation for ongoing development initiatives in the region.
“We are taking note of the work being done in the region, and we are grateful. We hope these efforts will continue to the end,” he said, expressing optimism that the engagement will strengthen collaboration between traditional authorities and government.
Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and other senior government officials were present at the meeting.
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