By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Ho (V/R), Feb 4, GNA – Over the past 12 months, Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, administration has focused on delivering specific, measurable, and impactful results aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening peace, and accelerating development across the Volta Region.
Presenting a one-year performance overview covering February 2025 to January 2026, Mr Gunu highlighted achievements across key sectors, including water and sanitation, health, education, agriculture, infrastructure, investment, and regional security.
Water, Sanitation and Energy
Under the “Water for All” Initiative, the Regional Coordinating Council supported the drilling and mechanisation of boreholes in several schools and health facilities to improve access to potable water.
The Minister said partnerships were also strengthened with financial institutions and private investors to explore long-term water solutions and renewable energy opportunities, including hydropower prospects.
In the health sector, Mr Gunu announced the commissioning of new health facilities and the launch of a Biomedical Engineering Unit at the Regional Health Directorate to improve the maintenance of medical equipment.
He said over 15 patients received direct financial and material support, while regional hospitals, including the Hohoe and Ho Teaching Hospital, benefited from targeted donations of medical and mobility supplies.
The Minister also facilitated outreach programmes through partner foundations to provide free medical services in underserved communities.
The Minister reported the commissioning of new classroom blocks and teachers’ accommodation in communities such as Sadikofe, to improve teaching and learning conditions.
He said a partnership with UNFPA secured USD 275,000 across seven districts to support reproductive health and family planning logistics.
Books and learning materials were also donated to promote literacy and arts education across the region.
Mr Gunu noted that peace and stability remained a central pillar of his administration.
He said capacity-building programmes were organised for the Volta Region House of Chiefs, helping to reduce chieftaincy-related disputes through improved mediation.
The Region also supported national peace initiatives, including the Gun Amnesty Programme, and strengthened collaboration with the security services.
He highlighted his participation in passing-out ceremonies at the Ho Police Training School, which saw hundreds of Community Protection Assistants and police recruits graduate.
To boost food production and livelihoods, the Regional Minister said 100 water pumps were distributed to farmer groups to enhance irrigation and dry-season farming.
About 5,000 hectares of land were secured in the South Tongu enclave for planting activities and seed multiplication.
The Region successfully hosted Farmers’ Day celebrations and organised the 4th Volta Trade and Investment Fair, positioning the Volta Region as a growing hub for trade and agribusiness.
Additionally, 30,000 bags of fertilizer were distributed to farmers under youth-in-agriculture and food security initiatives.
Mr Gunu announced that advocacy efforts led to the establishment of a National Signals Bureau Regional Command in the Volta Region to strengthen intelligence gathering and regional security coordination.
The Minister welcomed the opening of a Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Regional Office in Ho, bringing investment facilitation closer to businesses in the Volta and Oti regions.
He also supported the establishment and refurbishment of a Buffer Stock (NAFCO) Regional Office to strengthen agricultural marketing and storage systems.
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Belt and Road Environmental Technology Exchange and Transfer Centre in Shenzhen, China, to promote strategic cooperation in technology, environment, and investment.
Mr Gunu joined the President to cut the sod for the Ho Oxygen City Affordable Housing Project, aimed at reducing the housing deficit and creating local jobs.
He also supported multiple sod-cutting ceremonies for education, housing, and community infrastructure projects across the region.
The administration monitored major “Big Push” projects and continued support for the Agavedzi/Blekusu Phase Two Sea Defence Project to protect coastal communities from tidal waves and erosion.
The Regional Minister said his office responded to emergency situations, including windstorm relief in parts of Liati Wote and North Tongu.
Streetlights were donated to communities and the Ho Sports Stadium to improve safety and night-time activity.
He supported cultural festivals, faith-based organisations, the Ghana Red Cross, the Ho Leprosarium, and vulnerable children’s homes.
Proceeds from the maiden Regional National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving were donated to Madamfo Ghana to support abused and vulnerable children.
The Volta Regional Minister’s Cup, launched in February 2025, was also cited as a key youth development initiative, with Team Kpando emerging champions in the maiden edition.
Mr Gunu said the Region’s development drive aligned with President John Dramani Mahama’s “Resetting Agenda”, which focuses on economic stability, institutional strengthening, inclusive growth, and rebuilding public trust.
He outlined a regional development framework built around: Peace and Security – Ensuring stability as the foundation for development and investment.
Effective Local Governance – Strengthening MMDAs to deliver quality services, create jobs, and drive local growth.
Strategic Partnerships – Building strong collaborations with investors and stakeholders for sustainable development.
Summarising the year’s impact, Mr Gunu said the focus remained on people-centred development, job creation, access to essential services, and inclusion across all zones of the Volta Region.
“This has been a year of deliberate, measurable action,” he said. “The work continues, and together we will build a peaceful, resilient, and prosperous Volta Region.”
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba