President John Dramani Mahama embarked on a “Thank You Tour” in the Ashanti Region, culminating in a rally at Jubilee Park in Kumasi. His central message revolved around a commitment to equitable national development, with a particular focus on completing stalled projects in the Ashanti Region, regardless of which administration initiated them. He emphasized a philosophy of continuity, arguing that abandoning viable projects due to political transitions is detrimental to the nation’s progress. This commitment to continuity served as a cornerstone of his appeal to the Ashanti Region, a region he acknowledged had been neglected with numerous unfinished projects.
Mahama’s address showcased a detailed plan for the Ashanti Region, encompassing infrastructure, healthcare, education, and transportation. He pledged to expedite the completion of the second phase of the Kejetia Market redevelopment project, a vital commercial hub in Kumasi. Beyond this flagship project, he promised to revive other stalled market projects in Krofrom and Mamponteng. This focus on market infrastructure underscores his administration’s understanding of the importance of these spaces for economic activity and community life. He further solidified his commitment to infrastructure development by highlighting the continuation of the Suame Interchange project, designed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve regional connectivity.
Healthcare infrastructure also featured prominently in Mahama’s address. He pledged to complete the long-delayed Afari Military Hospital and the Sewua Regional Hospital, projects designed to bolster healthcare delivery in the region. Furthermore, he committed to finishing the Maternity and Children’s Block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, a critical facility serving a large population. Recognizing the cultural significance of sports, he also pledged to rehabilitate the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, demonstrating a holistic approach to regional development.
Mahama’s commitment to continuity extended to the education sector. He announced the resumption of work on the abandoned Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Medical Centre. This project promises to enhance medical training and research in the region. He framed these commitments within a broader narrative of his administration’s dedication to delivering tangible results and building upon existing foundations, rather than starting anew with each political cycle. This approach aims to maximize the impact of public investment and avoid wasteful duplication of efforts.
The President’s vision for the Ashanti Region also encompasses significant transportation improvements. He revealed that a contract had been awarded to expand the runway at Prempeh I Airport in Kumasi. This expansion is intended to accommodate larger international flights, positioning Kumasi as a regional hub for travel and business. Looking beyond air travel, he announced plans to break ground on the Accra-Kumasi Expressway project next year. This ambitious project involves constructing a six-lane highway to significantly reduce travel time between Ghana’s two largest cities, further enhancing regional connectivity and economic integration.
Finally, President Mahama addressed the Boankra Inland Port project. Acknowledging the project’s stalled status, he directed the Transport Minister to conduct a thorough audit, indicating his intention to make a decisive decision about its future based on a comprehensive assessment. He concluded his address by thanking the people of the Ashanti Region for their increasing support, noting the improved electoral performance of the NDC in the region. He highlighted the appointment of qualified Ashanti natives to key government positions, emphasizing his commitment to inclusive governance and ensuring regional representation at the highest levels of decision-making. This strategic approach seeks to demonstrate that his commitment to the Ashanti Region is not merely rhetorical but translates into tangible actions and representation within the government.
