By Justina Hilda Paaga, GNA
Takoradi (W/R), Nov. 14, GNA – The Western Region under the 2027 Budget is to benefit from a number of projects covering infrastructure, health, agriculture, mining and transport, aimed at transforming the region into a major economic hub in Ghana and West Africa
The Budget indicated government’s commitment to completing ongoing projects, opening new economic opportunities, and improving the living standards of residents in the region.
On the completion of the redeveloped Takoradi Market Circle the government has allocated GH¢200 million in the 2027 Budget to complete the Takoradi Market Circle Project in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.
The project, when completed, is expected to provide a modern trading facility for traders, improve upon sanitation, enhance safety, and ease congestion in the central business district.
Traders and residents have welcomed the allocation, expressing hope that the project would be completed on schedule to boost trading activities and create jobs.
On Health, the government has also allocated GH¢1 billion to complete the Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital and the Eastern Regional Hospital.
The Effia Nkwanta Regional Hospital which is the major referral hospital in the Western Region, when completed would reduce pressure on existing health facilities, and improve upon access to quality healthcare delivery.
Health workers and residents have welcomed the allocation, describing it as a major boost to healthcare delivery in the region.
The region is to benefit from a 24-Hour Critical-Minerals Processing Enclave
The enclave, which would operate around the clock, is expected to process critical minerals locally, reduce the export of raw minerals, increase revenue, attract investment, and create jobs for the youth.
Stakeholders in the mining sector have welcomed the initiative, expressing hope that it would transform the Western Region into a major mineral processing hub in West Africa.
On Agriculture, the government plans to establish Rice Development Hubs in “Western Ghana” among other zones under the 2027 Budget.
The initiative is part of government’s strategy to boost local rice production, reduce rice imports, ensure food security, and create jobs for farmers and youth.
The hubs are expected to support farmers with improved seeds, modern farming techniques, irrigation facilities, processing and marketing opportunities to increase yields and incomes.
The Takoradi Port is to become the main gateway to the Sahel under the 2027 Budget.
Under the plan, the rail line from the Takoradi Port would be extended to Hamile from 2030.
The initiative is expected to position the Western Region as a major trade and transit hub, facilitate the movement of goods and people, boost economic activities, and strengthen trade links between Ghana and the Sahel region.
Reconstruction of the Western Corridor Rail Line is also to begin in 2027 under the Budget.
The rail line runs from the Takoradi Harbour through Nsuta and Awaso to Nyinahin in the Ashanti Region.
The project would be financed from petroleum revenue and mineral royalties rather than borrowing.
The Ghana Armed Forces is said to be securing the right of way while feasibility, design and costing studies continued.
The project is expected to improve upon the transportation of goods and passengers, boost economic activities, facilitate mining and trade, and create jobs for residents along the corridor.
The Western and Western North Regions are also to benefit from the budget allocation of GH¢3 billion to extend the Rural Electricity Acceleration and Urban Intensification Initiative to the Western, Western North, Upper West, Upper East, Northeast and Northern regions.
In addition, the Government would begin the construction of seven 5,000-seater multipurpose regional stadia, including one in Western North, as part of GH¢600 million allocated for 10 regional stadia.
The oil palm programme would also develop 100,000 new hectares across the Western, Central, Eastern, Volta and Ashanti production belts, with the potential to support more than 250,000 jobs.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade