By Michael Pepsin Avorgah
Aflao, Jan. 8, GNA – Residents of the Ketu South Municipality in the Volta Region have expressed satisfaction with the performance of President John Dramani Mahama after his first year in office.
They cited economic stability, infrastructure development, and renewed attention to coastal communities as key achievements.
In separate interviews with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), the residents described the President’s first year as reassuring, particularly for a constituency regarded as a traditional stronghold of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Many recalled the devastation caused by persistent tidal waves that displaced residents of Agavedzi, Salakope, Blekusu, and surrounding coastal communities, destroying homes, livelihoods, and social infrastructure.
They noted that within months of assuming office, President Mahama visited the affected areas and initiated Phase Two of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project—a move they said restored hope, improved safety, and signaled renewed government commitment to protecting vulnerable coastal settlements.
Madam Janet Normeshie, a farmer and shop owner, said the administration’s economic management had brought some predictability to cross-border trading.
“I buy most of my goods from Togo, and the stability of the cedi against the CFA has helped me plan better. Even though there are occasional fluctuations, I can now estimate how much I need to restock my shop,” she said.
Commercial drivers in the municipality also expressed optimism, praising government’s “Big Push” infrastructure agenda, particularly the commencement of work on the Aflao–Ho road.
According to them, the road had remained in a deplorable condition for years, increasing travel time, vehicle maintenance costs, and accident risks.
“The fact that work has started under this administration gives us confidence. Combined with reduced fuel prices due to relative stability of the cedi against the dollar, drivers are beginning to feel some relief,” one driver told GNA.
Mr Israel Fiashide, a resident, said the President’s focus on development in the Volta region reflected appreciation for the region’s consistent electoral support for the NDC, adding that the pace of intervention within one year was unprecedented.
“For many years, we voted massively for the NDC, but this is the first time we are seeing such direct development and economic relief so early in a government’s tenure,” he noted.
Others also welcomed the ministerial appointments given to personalities from the region, expressing confidence that the appointees would champion regional development and justify the trust reposed in them.
Residents further expressed optimism about the proposed 24-hour economy policy, saying its implementation could create jobs, boost skills training, and address unemployment among the youth in Ketu South and the country at large.
Ketu South has historically been a stronghold of the NDC, consistently recording overwhelming victories for the party in both presidential and parliamentary elections since 1992.
In the 2020 presidential election, the NDC secured 87.47 per cent of the votes in the constituency, while the New Patriotic Party (NPP) garnered 11.06 per cent.
The party further increased its dominance in the 2024 presidential election, polling 93.62 per cent of the votes, with the NPP’s share declining to 6.38 per cent.
Residents say the President’s first-year performance has reinforced their confidence in his leadership and strengthened their hope for sustained development in the years ahead.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah