By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Sept 17, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has urged chiefs to take a greater interest in the development of their districts.
He made the appeal during a courtesy call on him at the Presidency in Accra by a delegation of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs led by its President, Nana Barima Twereku Ampem III, the Omanhene of the Ntotroso Traditional Area.
The Delegation was at the Presidency to congratulate President Mahama on his decisive victory in the 2024 general election and to thank him for initiating numerous developmental projects in the Region.
The President said they passed an edict that 80 per cent of the District Assemblies Common Fund should go directly to the districts; saying “I am pleased to report that this has improved the financing of all District Assemblies”.
He said the Finance Minister now releases the funds promptly every quarter and that he believes thei chiefs should work closely with the District Chief Executives to ensure those resources are properly utilised for development.
He said they were constructing one 24-Hour Market in each of Ghana’s 261 districts, stating that after completing those markets, they would also consider larger communities that had economically viable traditional markets.
“Markets stimulate economic activity and provide outlets for farmers to sell their produce and improve their income,” he said.
He said, he had taken note of their request concerning Newmont’s corporate social responsibility projects in Ahafo
“That is exactly what we expect from responsible corporate citizens, especially mining companies operating in extractive communities.”
President Mahama said communities must benefit from the resources extracted from their lands despite the environmental impact of mining.
He said they would encourage Newmont to continue the good work it was doing; declaring that he knew the company had contributed to road construction and had completed the Regional House of Chiefs building.
“I believe there is much more Newmont can do for the benefit of the mining communities. I thank you very much for coming, and I pray that God grants you a safe journey back home. We will continue to work hard for the people of Ghana,” he said.
President Mahama said the Accra-Kumasi Expressway was not only for Accra and Kumasi; saying “it is a national road that links the southern part of Ghana to the northern part”
He said, he was happy that they had tasked the military clearing the right of way, and they performed admirably before handing the project over to the Government.
He said the procurement process had begun to select the main contractor who would construct the expressway.
He said, as he had already indicated, the military would serve as the major subcontractor to the main contractor.
President Mahama expressed confidence that in about three years, they shall all gather again to commission that historic road.
Nana Barima Twereku Ampem III, the Omanhene of the Ntotroso Traditional Area, and President of the Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs was for of praise for the President for initiating numerous developmental projects in the Region.
He also thanked him for initiating the Accra-Kumasi Expressway Project, which according to him when completed would go a long way to enhance the faster movement of people, goods and services between the Ahafo Region and Accra.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade