Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang joined President John Dramani Mahama on the Central Regional leg of the nationwide “Resetting Ghana Tour,” where the government unveiled an ambitious development agenda focused on infrastructure, healthcare, education, governance reforms and economic transformation.
The nationwide tour, described by government officials as an accountability and stakeholder engagement exercise, is intended to update citizens on the achievements of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, engage communities on pressing national concerns and outline the government’s roadmap for national development.
Addressing a grand durbar attended by chiefs, opinion leaders, party supporters and residents in the Central Region, President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing the flagship “Big Push” infrastructure programme aimed at accelerating development and improving connectivity across the country.
According to the President, the initiative goes beyond road construction and public infrastructure projects, stressing that the programme is intended to stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities and open up communities for trade and investment.
“The Big Push is not simply about roads and buildings. It is about connecting people to opportunities, reducing the burden of transportation and creating an environment where businesses can thrive,” President Mahama stated.
He disclosed that several strategic projects within the Central Region have already been prioritised under the programme.
These include the construction of the Winneba Interchange, the rehabilitation and expansion of the Kasoa-Winneba Highway, the Apam-Winchi Road and a number of feeder and township roads expected to improve mobility and support economic activities across the region.
On healthcare delivery, President Mahama reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage through the implementation of the Free Primary Healthcare Policy.
He explained that the policy seeks to eliminate financial barriers that prevent citizens from accessing treatment for common illnesses while promoting preventive healthcare to reduce pressure on hospitals and improve overall public health outcomes.
As part of the government’s health sector reforms, the President announced plans for the aggressive expansion and rehabilitation of Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds and polyclinics nationwide.
He revealed that at least 150 health facilities are expected to benefit from the first phase of the programme.
President Mahama further disclosed that reforms to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) are currently underway to improve efficiency, accessibility and quality healthcare delivery.
He added that the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, would provide financial assistance to patients battling chronic and non-communicable diseases including cancer, kidney disease and heart-related conditions.
The President also outlined plans to construct regional hospitals in the newly created regions, equip existing health facilities with modern medical equipment and pursue international partnerships aimed at creating employment opportunities abroad for Ghanaian healthcare professionals.
Touching on education, President Mahama assured Ghanaians that the administration remains committed to eliminating schools under trees and improving educational infrastructure nationwide.
He pledged that the government would intensify efforts to abolish the double-track system in Senior High Schools through the construction of additional classroom blocks, dormitories and supporting facilities to accommodate the increasing student population.
According to him, improving teaching and learning conditions remains central to government’s broader educational transformation agenda.
The President also highlighted governance reforms being pursued by the administration, including efforts to strengthen Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to improve decentralisation and public service delivery.
He further indicated that the Constitutional Review Committee would continue engaging citizens on reforms intended to deepen democratic governance and strengthen state institutions.
The President of the Central Regional House of Chiefs and Omanhene of the Breman Asikuma Traditional Area, Odeefuo Amoakwa Buadu VIII, commended the government for recognising the importance of traditional authorities in national development.
He described the renewed collaboration between government and chiefs as a positive step towards inclusive governance and expressed appreciation to the administration for prioritising development projects within the Central Region.
In her address, Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang thanked the chiefs and people of the region for their continued support and called for sustained collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of government programmes.
She stressed that national development requires collective responsibility and active citizen participation.
“We cannot build the Ghana we want as spectators. It must be a national enterprise,” the Vice President stated.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang further urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to strengthen accountability systems by creating regular platforms for community engagement and feedback.
According to her, such engagements would ensure that development initiatives reflect the real needs and aspirations of local communities.
She noted that the “Resetting Ghana Tour” demonstrates the government’s commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusive governance while reaffirming the administration’s determination to fulfil its campaign promises and improve the living conditions of Ghanaians across the country.
Story by Yaw Boagyan
