News Guide Africa

Tag: Volta Region

  • Driving Healthcare Commitments: Ministry of Health Concludes Three-Day Progress Review Retreat in Ho

    Driving Healthcare Commitments: Ministry of Health Concludes Three-Day Progress Review Retreat in Ho

    The Ministry of Health has convened a three-day intensive management retreat in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, to review and assess its progress on fulfilling government manifesto promises and policy commitments across the healthcare sector.

    The high-level meeting brought together key sector stakeholders, including political leadership, directors, heads of agencies under the ministry, and regional health administration officials. The retreat served as a strategic platform to evaluate ongoing health sector programs, track performance indicators, and map out actionable strategies to fast-track pending policy targets.

    Opening the session, the Minister for Health emphasized the importance of accountability, continuous monitoring, and structured evaluation in delivering on the administration’s promises to the public.

    “This retreat is not merely a routine gathering, but a critical accountability mechanism to candidly assess where we stand with our manifesto promises,” the Minister stated. “Our primary objective is to evaluate our implementation milestones, identify systemic bottlenecks, and recalibrate our strategies to ensure that every commitment made to the Ghanaian people regarding healthcare delivery is fully realized.”

    Throughout the three-day deliberations, participants reviewed key priority areas, including infrastructure development, primary healthcare expansion, health financing, digitizing medical records, and addressing critical human resource shortages in underserved communities.

    Speaking during one of the technical review sessions, the Chief Director at the Ministry highlighted the significance of institutional alignment and cross-agency collaboration in executing key policy interventions.

    “To achieve maximum impact, all agencies and departments within the health ecosystem must align their work plans directly with the ministry’s broader policy objectives,” the Chief Director noted. “By reviewing our performance in Ho, we are establishing clearer timelines, sharpening our operational strategies, and holding leadership accountable for delivery.”

    Representatives from various health agencies, including the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), presented progress updates on ongoing initiatives such as universal health coverage targets and community-level access to care.

    Participants at the retreat expressed optimism that the strategic decisions and updated action plans formulated during the event would significantly enhance healthcare delivery nationwide and ensure the timely completion of key government health projects.

     

  • GAIA Africa trains Ghanaian journalists on Climate & Zero Waste reporting

    GAIA Africa trains Ghanaian journalists on Climate & Zero Waste reporting

    Accra, Ghana — In a move to strengthen environmental journalism across the continent, GAIA Africa has convened Ghanaian reporters for an in‑person training on zero waste reporting, ahead of the second edition of the Africa Zero Waste Academy in Kpone, Eastern Region.

    The session, the first face‑to‑face meeting of the Africa Zero Waste Journalists (AZWJ) network since its launch in 2024, aimed to deepen journalists’ understanding of climate science, practical zero waste solutions and the new storytelling techniques needed in an era of artificial intelligence.

     

    The AZWJ network, which has relied on quarterly virtual workshops to build capacity and expand membership, chose to bring members together this quarter to foster stronger professional ties and provide hands‑on learning. Organisers said the timing, immediately before the continent‑wide Academy, would allow participants to combine technical training with networking and field visits.

     

    “The shift from virtual to in‑person training is about more than convenience,” said Ibrahim Khalilulahi Usman, communications associate at GAIA Africa and coordinator of the Africa Zero Waste Journalists network. “It is an opportunity to build trust, share lived experiences and equip reporters with the practical skills they need to hold power to account on waste, pollution and climate resilience.”

    The day‑long workshop covered three core modules: the ABC of climate science, an in‑depth look at zero waste as a cost‑effective climate solution, and a practical session on promoting climate stories using short‑form video, commonly known as reels. Facilitators combined short lectures with group exercises and real‑world examples drawn from Ghanaian communities, from coastal erosion in the Volta region to urban flooding in Accra.

     

    One session, led by Hafiz Larry Alhassan, focused on how journalists can use social media reels to amplify climate stories. “Reels are not just a trend; they are a tool for engagement,” Alhassan said. “A well‑crafted 30‑second clip can make complex science accessible, spur community action and reach audiences that traditional reporting often misses.”

     

    Participants were encouraged to avoid simplistic narratives and to interrogate proposed “solutions” that may do more harm than good. The training emphasised the distinction between mitigation, efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and adaptation, which seeks to manage the impacts of a changing climate. It also highlighted the prevalence of false climate solutions, such as carbon offsets, waste‑to‑energy projects that can entrench polluting industries.

     

    “Journalists must be able to spot greenwashing and question projects that are presented as climate action but fail to reduce emissions or harm local communities,” said Carissa Marnce, Africa communications manager at GAIA Africa. “Our role is to provide clear, evidence‑based information that will inform journalists reporting that helps the public and policymakers make informed choices.”

     

    The zero waste module framed waste reduction, reuse and recycling as practical, community‑centred strategies that can cut emissions, create green jobs and improve public health. The Trainer, Desmond Alugnoa, GAIA Zero Waste & Climate Manager, presented case studies showing how local initiatives, from composting schemes to informal waste‑picker cooperatives, can deliver measurable benefits when supported by policy and investment.

     

    Journalists worked in small groups to discuss climate issues and plan short video pieces that could be produced with minimal equipment. Several participants said they left the session with concrete story leads and a clearer sense of how to translate technical material into compelling journalism.

     

    The in‑person meeting also served a broader purpose: strengthening a network of reporters who can collaborate across borders and share resources.AZWJ network hoped the face‑to‑face contact would lead to joint investigations, regional reporting projects and sustained peer support.

     

    As climate impacts intensify across Africa, organisers argued, the need for rigorous, locally grounded reporting has never been greater. “We are training journalists not just to report events, but to explain systems, expose false solutions and highlight practical alternatives,” Khalilulahi said. “That kind of journalism can change the conversation and, ultimately, influence policy.”

     

    The AZWJ network plans to continue its quarterly training cycle, combining virtual and in‑person formats to reach a wider pool of reporters. For now, organisers say the Accra workshop has set a new standard for how environmental journalism can be taught and practised on the continent.

  • Akatsi South MCE Daniel Dagba earns praise as Assembly climbs 100 places in 2025 PFM Compliance rankings

    Akatsi South MCE Daniel Dagba earns praise as Assembly climbs 100 places in 2025 PFM Compliance rankings

    Assembly Member for the Wuxor, Have and Sremanu Electoral Area in the Akatsi South Municipality, Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede, has commended the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Daniel Dagba, following the impressive performance of the Akatsi South Municipal Assembly in the 2025 Public Financial Management Compliance League Table (PFMCLT).

     

    According to the Assembly Member, the Municipality’s remarkable improvement in the national and regional rankings is evidence of prudent leadership, financial discipline and a renewed commitment to good governance.

    Japhet Festus Gbede( Assembly Member)

    The 2025 PFMCLT report shows that Akatsi South Municipal Assembly moved from 259th position nationally in 2024 to 159th in 2025, representing an impressive 100-place improvement. Within the Volta Region, the Assembly also rose from 18th to 13th position, recording a compliance score of 48.90 percent.

     

    In a statement, Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede described the achievement as a significant milestone that reflects the collective efforts of the Municipal Chief Executive and the entire Assembly.

     

    “Leadership is ultimately measured by results, and today, the results speak for themselves. Within a relatively short period after assuming office on April 10, 2025, Hon. Daniel Dagba has provided the leadership that has inspired this remarkable turnaround,” he stated.

     

     

    He noted that while the achievement was a collective success, the MCE deserved commendation for providing strategic direction and creating an enabling environment for improved public financial management.

     

    Hon. Gbede also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Municipal Coordinating Director, the Finance Department, the Internal Audit Unit, Heads of Departments, Assembly Members, and particularly the Chairman and Members of the Finance and Administration (F&A) Committee, whom he credited for their effective oversight and commitment to financial accountability.

     

    He further praised the Chairpersons and Members of all Statutory and Sub-Committees of the Assembly for supporting sound governance and policy implementation.

     

    “As an Assembly Member, I am proud to witness Akatsi South making steady progress. This achievement should inspire all of us to remain united in our quest to build a transparent, accountable and development-oriented Municipality,” he said.

     

    Hon. Gbede encouraged the Municipal Chief Executive to remain focused and continue pursuing policies that would improve service delivery and strengthen public confidence in the Assembly.

     

    He expressed optimism that the latest performance in the PFM Compliance League Table would serve as a foundation for even greater achievements in the years ahead, urging all stakeholders to sustain the momentum toward excellence in local governance.

  • YEA Empowers 3,379 Youth in Volta Region, Exposes NPP Neglect – Daniel Hamenu

    YEA Empowers 3,379 Youth in Volta Region, Exposes NPP Neglect – Daniel Hamenu

    The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has engaged 3,379 young people in employment and skills development programmes across the Volta Region between June and December 2025, highlighting the stark contrast between the current government’s youth agenda and the neglect of the previous NPP administration.

     

    The Volta Regional Director of YEA, Hon. Daniel Hamenu, presented the report to the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) and underscored that under the last eight years of NPP rule, the Volta Region was systematically denied its fair share of opportunities.

     

    “During their eight-year tenure, only a little over 100 youth were employed under the Community Protection Assistants (CPA) programme,” Mr. Hamenu said. “Today, within just six months, we have deployed 626 youth as CPAs alone. Their era was characterized by ghost names and unfulfilled promises.”

     

    Mr. Hamenu explained that the engagements form part of the John Dramani Mahama led Government of Ghana’s Reset Agenda on Youth Employment and Empowerment, aimed at reducing youth unemployment, providing marketable skills, and strengthening public service delivery.

     

    Breakdown of Beneficiaries

     

    Community Protection Assistants (CPA): 626 youth deployed to support the Ghana Police Service.

     

    Fire Safety Assistants (FSA): 199 youth supporting the Ghana National Fire Service.

     

    Community Medical First Responders (CMFRs): 476 youth providing basic healthcare support.

     

    Prison Office Assistants (POAs): 255 youth supporting the Ghana Prisons Service.

     

    Skills Training (Artisan and Craft Programme): 1,408 youth trained in trades including ICT, carpentry, plumbing, catering, welding, garment making, and more.

     

    Garment and Apparel Module: 160 youth trained in fashion design and garment production.

     

    Arabic Instructors Programme: 225 youth teaching Arabic literacy in Muslim communities.

     

    Insurance Module: 30 youth trained for employment in the insurance sector.

     

    Beneficiaries were deployed to key institutions such as the Police Service, Fire Service, Prisons Service, and Ambulance Service, improving community safety, emergency response, and administrative efficiency.

     

    Mr. Hamenu further revealed that selected youth have also been recruited under the YEA WorkAbroad Programme for employment in countries such as the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

     

    “This is real youth empowerment, not ghost employment like we saw under the NPP,” he said, pledging that the Agency will expand its programmes in 2026 to benefit more young people across the Volta Region.

  • Council of State Member, Volta Regional Minister, Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Others to Grace Sremanu Tutu Do Festival – Assemblymember Assures

    Council of State Member, Volta Regional Minister, Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Others to Grace Sremanu Tutu Do Festival – Assemblymember Assures

    The Assemblymember for Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area in the Akatsi South Municipality of the Volta Region, Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede, has announced that this year’s Sremanu Tutu Do Festival will be graced by a host of distinguished dignitaries, signaling one of the most anticipated celebrations in recent years.

     

    According to the Assemblymember, the lineup of guests expected to attend includes H.E. Dr. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple Adovoe, Member of the Council of State; Hon. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister; and H.E. Alhaji Said Sinare, Ghana’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Several other high-profile personalities from government, traditional authorities, and the private sector are also expected to join the festivities.

     

    Speaking to the media ahead of the celebration, the Assemblymember assured residents and visitors that all arrangements are well underway to ensure a colorful and incident-free festival.

     

    “This year’s Sremanu Tutu Do Festival will be a memorable one. I am working extremely closely with the Central Planning Committee, the chiefs, and opinion leaders to make sure our guests and the people of Sremanu enjoy a rich cultural experience,” he said.

     

     

     

    He added that the festival will not only showcase the rich cultural heritage of Sremanu but also serve as a rallying point for development and community unity, particularly as efforts continue toward the completion of the KVIP project and the construction of a six-unit classroom block for the Sremanu M/A Basic School.

     

    “This festival is not just about drumming and dancing. It’s about development. We have already started the projects through small community contributions, and we are hopeful that the presence of these dignitaries will inspire more support,” he emphasized.

     

     

     

    The Sremanu Tutu Do Festival, which has been revived after years of dormancy, seeks to bring together citizens both home and abroad to renew their commitment to community growth, cultural preservation, and unity.

     

    The event is scheduled to take place in December 2025, with several activities lined up, including a fundraising durbar, health screening, traditional displays, and youth empowerment programs.

     

    Residents and visitors are being encouraged to come in their numbers to experience the warmth, culture, and developmental spirit of Sremanu as the town positions itself as a beacon of unity and headquarters of development in the Akatsi South.

  • Volta Economic Forum 2025: A New Era for Ghana’s Economic Development

    Volta Economic Forum 2025: A New Era for Ghana’s Economic Development

    The Volta Region is set to host the inaugural Volta Economic Forum 2025 this week, at the Reddington Beach Resort in Keta.
    This landmark event aims to position the region as Ghana’s next economic frontier, attracting local and international investors across key growth sectors.
    The Forum is a significant step towards unlocking the region’s economic potential and promoting sustainable development. With its rich resources and strategic location, the Volta Region is poised to become a major economic hub in Ghana
    With the theme “Harnessing the Volta Corridor Economic Potential for the 24-Hour Economy Take-off,” the Forum is designed as a strategic investment platform to attract both local and international investors across key growth sectors including energy, agribusiness, tourism, manufacturing, logistics and the blue economy.
    Organisers say the Forum goes beyond dialogue. It aims to chart a coordinated policy framework that aligns public and private sector priorities for inclusive and sustainable regional development.
    Dr. Elikplim Kwabla Apetorgbor, Volta Regional Commissioner of the National Development Planning Commission, described the upcoming Forum as “a defining moment and a call to action for investors and policymakers to unlock the region’s full potential.”
    According to him, Volta’s strategic coastal location, skilled workforce, and expanding infrastructure base make it a prime destination for investment and industrial growth under Ghana’s evolving 24-hour economy initiative.
    The Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), through its flagship Investment Opportunity Mapping Project (IOMP), is spearheading this process by identifying and promoting localised economic potential across all 261 districts.
    The Volta Region, described by Regional Minister, Mr James Gunu as “a land of peace, purity, and possibility,” stands out for its fertile land, rich water bodies, and skilled human resource base. Over 700,000 hectares of arable land remain uncultivated, offering a vast canvas for agribusiness expansion.
    Through the Grow24 initiative, anchored in the 24-hour economy policy, the region is promoting mechanised farming, cold-chain systems, and farmer cooperatives to scale agricultural productivity.
    Key crops include maize, rice, cassava, coffee, tomatoes, and yams, while the Volta Lake supports a thriving aquaculture sector with opportunities in fish feed, processing, and packaging.
    Agro-processing industries, particularly in rice milling, cassava starch, tomato paste, and palm oil, are expanding under new partnerships.
    With its proximity to Togo and connection to the national transport network, Volta also serves as a strategic trade and logistics corridor, linking northern Ghana to export gateways through lake transport.
    Agriculture and agro-Industry:
    Volta’s soil fertility supports year-round cultivation of pawpaw, banana, coconut, maize, and yam. Rice farms at Aveyime, Weta irrigation projects, and cassava processing facilities are key investment-ready ventures. Cocoa and shade-tree agroforestry, citrus and honey production, and cassava-maize value chains also hold significant promise.
    Manufacturing and industrialisation:
    The region is home to Mayanar Fabrications Ltd., Hohoe Auto Industrial Park, and the Juapong Textiles Factory, with additional opportunities in quarrying and cement distribution through the Diamond Cement factory in Aflao. Under the MAKE24 Industrial Parks Programme, plans are underway for agro-processing, renewable energy, and textile clusters powered by solar and bioenergy.
    Renewable energy and sustainability:
    Partnerships involving Cotech Ghana Ltd., GreenTek Ventures, UHAS, and Ho Technical University are pioneering biogas digesters and solar-powered water systems. Hybrid solar grids at Aveyime demonstrate Volta’s capacity for clean, self-sufficient energy solutions.
    Service and hospitality sector:
    Volta’s emerging urban centres are ideal for private clinics, diagnostic centres, Business Process Outsourcing services, and hotels or conference venues. These facilities will complement regional industrialisation and tourism.
    Tourism, culture, and craftsmanship
    Volta’s natural and cultural landscapes remain among Ghana’s most scenic. Attractions such as Wli Falls, Mount Afadja, Tagbo Falls, Amedzofe, Mount Gemi, Tafi Atome, and the Likpe Ancestral Caves provide opportunities for eco-lodges, guided adventure tourism, and cultural experiences.
    In Vume, the region’s renowned pottery industry demonstrates a thriving craft tradition ripe for commercial expansion. Alongside Kpetoe’s kente weaving and Avatime’s handicrafts, these industries form the foundation of a creative economy that can blend cultural authenticity with export potential.
    From Kpeve’s panoramic highlands to Lake Volta’s scenic waterfront, opportunities abound in eco-resorts, leisure cruises, and sustainable tourism investments.
    Reviving legacy industries
    The government’s plan to revive the Hohoe coffee factory, originally established by Dr Kwame Nkrumah, underscores its commitment to rural industrialisation. Mr Gunu has assured coffee farmers of renewed government and investor support to restore commercial coffee farming and processing, with the aim of branding Ziavi Coffee as a unique regional product for domestic and export markets.
    These initiatives complement ongoing work in cassava and maize processing, cocoa fermentation, and agro-based manufacturing, offering investors ready markets and structured value chains.
    The roadshow framework and collaboration
    The Volta Regional Investment Roadshow will unfold over three days, beginning with courtesy calls to traditional leaders, media engagements, and project site visits. The central event at the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, will feature stakeholder presentations, business-to-business (B2B) sessions, and project showcases linking investors with project developers.
    Participating partners include the Office of the Chief of Staff, 24-Hour Economy Secretariat, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Tourism Authority, Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council.
    Mapping Opportunities for Ghana’s Future
    The IOMP launched in July 2025, represents a bold shift toward evidence-based investment promotion. It aims to build a comprehensive database of verified district-specific opportunities to guide investor decisions.
    Speaking at the project’s launch, Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah described it as “a turning point for Ghana’s development, ensuring that every Ghanaian has a fair chance to benefit from investment-led growth.”
    GIPC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Simon Madjie(Esq.), has been instrumental in driving this vision. With extensive experience in trade policy, law, and business networking, he has emphasised the need to grow both Local Direct Investment and Foreign Direct Investment. His approach centres on connecting Ghanaian enterprises with global markets through data, partnerships, and innovation.
    Mr Madjie explained that the IOMP is not only about identifying opportunities but ensuring that they translate into bankable projects that create jobs and improve livelihoods.
    The Volta Regional Investment Roadshow offers a gateway for investors seeking sustainable, high-impact ventures. With abundant natural resources, skilled labour, renewable energy potential, and strong government support, the Volta Region stands ready to drive Ghana’s next phase of inclusive growth.
    As Minister James Gunu affirmed, “The future of Ghana’s 24-hour economy begins here, in the Volta Region. Ghana is open for business again. Visit Volta, experience Ghana.”
  • NPP was allergic to road construction in Volta Region – James Gunu

    NPP was allergic to road construction in Volta Region – James Gunu

    The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, has launched a scathing criticism against the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), accusing them of deliberately neglecting the Volta Region in the area of road infrastructure during their time in office.

    Speaking at a colorful sod-cutting ceremony in Titrinu, Ho, on Tuesday, Hon. Gunu described the NPP as “allergic to road construction in the Volta Region,” insisting that their track record in the region exposed a deep-seated bias and disregard for the welfare of the people.

    According to him, successive NPP governments consistently overlooked critical road networks in the Volta Region despite the enormous socio-economic benefits such projects would bring to the area. He noted that bad roads have long impeded agricultural productivity, trade, access to health care, and overall economic growth in the region.

    The Minister announced that under President John Dramani Mahama’s visionary “Big Push Project”, major roads across the Volta Region, including the Ho-Aflao stretch, will receive immediate attention. The initiative, he said, demonstrates the NDC government’s commitment to equitable development and inclusion for all regions.

    “Today marks a turning point,” Hon. Gunu declared. “Where others turned a blind eye, President Mahama has stepped in with bold interventions. These road projects will not only improve connectivity but also open new opportunities for businesses, farmers, and youth in the Volta Region.”

    The sod-cutting ceremony brought together traditional leaders, community members, and party faithful, who hailed the development as long overdue. Chiefs in the area pledged their support and urged the government to ensure timely execution of the projects.

    Residents expressed excitement, describing the project as a major relief after years of neglect and hardship. Many noted that improved road networks will reduce travel time, attract investors, and enhance access to markets and social services.

    The Big Push Project is one of President Mahama’s flagship initiatives, aimed at driving large-scale infrastructure development across Ghana. For the Volta Region, the road component is expected to transform livelihoods and restore confidence in the government’s commitment to fairness and national balance.

  • NPP promised Year of Roads but delivered Year of Potholes – Assemblymember jabs

    NPP promised Year of Roads but delivered Year of Potholes – Assemblymember jabs

    The Assemblymember for Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area, Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede, who also doubles as a communicator of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and Special Aide to Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Alhaji Said Sinare, has praised President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government for demonstrating genuine commitment to the development of the Volta Region.

    His commendation follows the President’s sod-cutting for the construction of 177 kilometers of roads from Atipoku to Aflao under the Big Push Project, a flagship intervention aimed at transforming transportation, creating jobs, and boosting economic activity across the region.

    Speaking to journalists in Ho yesterday, Hon. Gbede said the project marks a historic turning point for the people of Volta. “This initiative is not just about roads; it is about access to markets, expansion of businesses, agricultural growth, and the restoration of dignity to communities long neglected. This is the kind of visionary leadership President Mahama and the NDC stand for,” he said.

    The Assemblymember, however, contrasted this development drive with what he described as the NPP’s “legacy of deception and failed governance.”

    “The NPP promised us a ‘Year of Roads’ but what they delivered was a ‘Year of Potholes.’ For eight years, our people endured dust, mud, and broken promises. At one point, Volta Region he said completely forgotten in their national budget. That is the true history of the NPP deception, neglect, and betrayal,” Hon. Gbede jabbed.

    He added that the poor governance of the NPP has left Ghana’s economy in shambles, with unbearable inflation, collapsed businesses, job losses, and unsustainable debt levels. “The way they governed this country has already sentenced them to rot in opposition for a very long time. They destroyed livelihoods, crippled the cedi, and robbed Ghanaians of hope. The people will never forget,” he warned.

    On the way forward, Hon. Gbede cautioned contractors handling the Atipoku–Aflao roads to deliver quality and durable work. He also charged Assemblymembers in the beneficiary areas to act as watchdogs for their communities.

    “We must not allow shoddy work. These roads are for the people, and the people deserve the best. Assemblymembers should ensure that every kilometer constructed reflects the sweat of the taxpayer,” he said.

    The Assemblymember further warned strongly against theft of materials meant for the project. “Anybody who attempts to steal cement, iron rods, or gravel meant for this project is an enemy of the people, the region, and of progress. This is a national investment, and it must not be sabotaged by greed,” he cautioned.

    Hon. Gbede concludedh by lauding President Mahama’s leadership, describing him as “the father of infrastructure in Ghana.” He reaffirmed his confidence that under the NDC, the Volta Region will never again be left behind in national development.

  • Assemblymember applauds Regional Minister and Council of State member as driving force behind Volta’s unprecedented development

    Assemblymember applauds Regional Minister and Council of State member as driving force behind Volta’s unprecedented development

    The Assemblymember for Wuxor, Have, and Sremanu Electoral Area, Hon. Japhet Festus Gbede, has lavished praise on the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, and the Council of State Member for the Volta Region, H.E. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, describing them as “relentless visionaries whose hunger for development knows no bounds.”

    The young Assemblymember has also described the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, and Council of State Member, H.E. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, as “sacrificial lamps whose combined energy is illuminating the path of transformation for the Volta Region.”

     

    According to Hon. Gbede, Hon. Gunu’s ambitious Water for All project has brought lasting relief to many communities that for decades struggled with access to clean and safe drinking water. From the coastal districts to the hinterlands, boreholes and mechanised water systems are being commissioned, directly improving health, sanitation, and livelihoods.

    He also commended H.E. Tanko Atokple for his strategic networking with foreign donors and investors to attract factories and industrial facilities to the Volta Region. According to him, these efforts are creating fertile ground for job creation, entrepreneurship, and long-term economic stability.

    “From the bustling heart of Ho to the serene farming belts of North Dayi, from the tourism-rich Afadzato South to the fishing communities of Keta, the evidence of their work is visible and impactful. These are leaders who have chosen to be sacrificial lamps, burning themselves to give light to the path of progress in our region,” he stated.

    Hon. Gbede emphasised that their combined energy, foresight, and commitment are ushering in an era the Volta Region has never experienced before. “History will remember this as the period when leadership rose above politics and personal comfort to serve every Volta citizen with integrity, passion, and vision,”.

    “Sometimes I wonder if Hon. Gunu and H.E. Tanko even rest. They are everywhere donating to communities, supporting festivals, empowering the youth, and uniting the Volta NDC like never before. If these men are ever done, the NPP should prepare to go back to 1992, because no reasonable person in this region will wear their T-shirt again,he said.”

    “The combined energy of these two leaders is not a political stunt, it is a mission and a movement. They are burning themselves to give light to every corner of this region,” Hon. Gbede declared.

  • Volta Region’s Unwavering Support for Mahama Rooted in Experience, Promise, and Proven Leadership – Regional Minister Declares

    The Volta Region’s massive endorsement of President John Dramani Mahama in the 2024 general elections — with a resounding 90.12% of the vote — was not accidental, but a decisive statement of belief in tested leadership and a vision that speaks directly to the region’s aspirations. This was the strong message delivered by Volta Regional Minister Hon. James Gunu during a courtesy call on President Mahama at the Presidency on Thursday.

    The visit, led by the Volta Regional Minister and the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, was aimed at discussing regional development and renewing the region’s partnership with the new government.

    According to Hon. James Gunu, the region’s backing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and its flagbearer stemmed from three clear reasons: confidence in Mahama’s seasoned leadership, the relevance of the NDC’s development blueprint, and a political history rooted in tangible progress under NDC governments.

    > “We were inspired by the unmatched leadership experience and proven track record of President Mahama — a statesman who understands the soul of this nation and has consistently delivered when it mattered most,” Hon James Gunu stated.

    He emphasized that the NDC’s 2024 manifesto had a distinct Volta-centered focus, detailing 33 transformational projects that touch every major sector — from roads and industrial parks to education and employment.

    > “This wasn’t just another manifesto. It was a contract of purpose. It laid out concrete plans to unlock the full potential of our region,” he said. “And we recognized that. We responded not with noise, but with numbers — at the ballot box.”

    Gunu also highlighted what he described as the region’s “clear political memory,” noting that development in Volta has always seen real traction under NDC leadership. “This truth has become our compass,” he said.

    The minister’s remarks came as part of a wider conversation with the President, during which the President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, also addressed the gathering. He took the opportunity to commend President Mahama’s early gestures toward the region and outlined a list of priorities for his administration.

    Togbe Tepre Hodo IV praised the President for selecting the Volta Region as the first stop on his thank-you tour and for appointing natives of the region into key positions in government. He acknowledged improvements in macroeconomic stability, particularly in stabilizing the cedi and moderating inflation and fuel prices.

    He lauded the government’s recent National Education Forum and mid-year budget allocations for critical road projects in the region, while urging that these infrastructure commitments not be delayed.

    > “Given that these are multi-year projects, we pray they are started in time and completed during his current tenure,” he said.

    The Chiefs also appealed for targeted support to strengthen traditional governance, including budgeted workshops for newly inaugurated traditional councils and legal guidance on the best model for engaging in the Feed Ghana Project.

    Togbe Tepre Hodo IV further called for urgent attention to unresolved regional challenges, including inland immigration posts at Asikuma and Sogakope, the completion of the Keta Port and Ho Airport, the long-stalled eastern corridor roads, and sea defense infrastructure in Agavedzi.

    He underscored the need to boost capacity at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, not only to improve local healthcare training but also to develop an export-ready health workforce to tackle unemployment.

    > “We as chiefs will continue to support your government with ideas and suggestions in order to reset and move this country forward,” he assured.