President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to accountable governance, transparent decision-making and direct engagement with citizens as he interacted with residents of the Upper West Region in Wa.
The engagement formed part of the President’s “Resetting Ghana” Citizen Engagement Tour, which provides citizens with an opportunity to raise concerns, question government policies and contribute to discussions on national development.
Addressing the gathering, President Mahama highlighted government’s ongoing interventions in infrastructure, healthcare, education, employment and economic transformation.
On infrastructure, the President said government’s agenda was aimed not only at addressing Ghana’s infrastructure deficit but also at laying the foundation for sustained economic growth.
He said the strategy would begin with major trunk roads and progressively extend to feeder roads across the country.
On healthcare, President Mahama pointed to the expansion of the Free Primary Healthcare programme, noting that National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage had increased to 76 per cent.
He said the expansion was intended to bring essential maternal and child healthcare services closer to communities, particularly those with limited access to health facilities.
In the education sector, the President reiterated government’s commitment to ending the double-track system by the end of 2027.
He also stressed the importance of restoring discipline and integrity in schools while improving teaching and learning outcomes.
Addressing employment concerns, President Mahama outlined the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative as a key strategy for expanding job opportunities.
He said the programme would encourage private-sector investment, additional production shifts and entrepreneurship to create sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
The President also announced plans for significant investment in strategic sectors under the proposed New Economy Programme.
Among other initiatives, he mentioned the establishment of a Women’s Development Bank, construction of the Upper West Airport, support for local agricultural production and measures to expand economic opportunities across the regions.
President Mahama also used the engagement to clarify concerns surrounding the teaching of Arabic and Chinese in public schools.
He stated that there was no approved government policy making either Arabic or Chinese compulsory subjects in public schools.
On the National Cathedral project, the President reiterated that he had no objection to the project itself but expressed concerns about its location, the demolition of public and diplomatic properties and the use of public funds to finance its construction.
He said his position was therefore centred on the manner in which the project was being implemented rather than opposition to the concept of a National Cathedral.
The Wa engagement is part of the President’s broader “Resetting Ghana” Citizen Engagement Tour, through which the government is seeking to engage directly with citizens, explain its policies and programmes, and receive feedback on issues affecting communities across the country.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
