By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Bolgatanga, March 21, GNA – The chiefs and people of the Upper East Region have reminded President John Dramani Mahama of his promise to construct an airport in the region.
The chiefs and people reminded the President in Bolgatanga during his Thank You tour to the Upper East Region following his electoral victory in the 2024 general elections.
Speaking on the behalf of the people of the region, Naba Yelzoya Kosom Asaga II, the Spokesperson to the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, underscored the significance of an airport to advancing the economic fortunes of the region.
“Upper East Region is an old region and deserve to have an airport,” Naba Asaga II who is also the Paramount Chief of Nangodi Traditional Area in the Nabdam stressed.
“Mr President, having an airport is long overdue. We want to be able to fly from Accra to Bolgatanga, we want to be able to fly from Kumasi to Bolgatanga,” he added.
The Paramount Chief further noted that the region was blessed with mineral resources particularly gold deposits, however, the people were not benefiting from the resources.
He urged President Mahama to ensure that his government developed strategic policies that would enhance the region’s benefits in the extraction of the mineral resources.
He reiterated calls on the government to construct the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam, stressing its completion would not only sustain agriculture activities but would serve as activities a mechanism to the perennial flooding from the White Volta River.
On his part, President Mahama expressed gratitude to the chiefs and residents of the region for the overwhelming endorsement during the election and reiterated his commitment to delivering on his promises to transforming lives.
“Upper East Region like any other region in Ghana deserves fair share of development not as a favour but as my government actionable commitment to equitable investment in infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare education and social welfare as a testament to our belief that no Ghanaian should be left behind.
“And I pledge to the people of the Upper East Region that when the national cake is being shared, you will receive your fair portion “, he said.
On the issue of the airport, President Mahama reiterated his resolve to work to ensure that the Upper East Regional airport came to fruition.
He said the government had already started working to source for funding for the construction of the project, stating, “We intend to do this through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in conjunction with the gold mining companies of this region since this will also allow them to airlift their gold bullion safely to Accra directly from the Upper East Region”.
On the issue of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam, the President said the government had prioritised the project under the big push financing programme to ensure it was completed and served the desired purpose.
President Mahama further reiterated the commitment of the government to enhancing quality healthcare and medical training in the region through the expansion and upgrading of the War Memorial hospital in Navrongo.
“We will also commence phase three of the Upper East Regional Hospital to enhance specialised health services for the residents of the Upper East Region,” he said.
President Mahama was accompanied by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, Upper East Regional Minister, Dr Mark Kurt Nawaane and Members of Parliament.
GNA
FAA/KOA