By Samuel Akumatey
Ho, Aug. 17, GNA – Former President John Dramani Mahama, Flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced the development of an economic corridor of the Volta and Oti Regions when voted into power.
He said the Volta and Oti Economic Corridor would be a dedicated programme to fast-advance economic activity in the two regions which make up about half of the nation’s eastern landmass beyond the Volta River.
The regions are inextricably linked and with unfathomable economic potential spanning agriculture and tourism, and Mr. Mahama outlined plans for the strategic corridor while engaging with media practitioners in the Volta Region during a campaign tour.
He said the new economic zone would stretch from the Northeast to the border community of Aflao, and that his government would pursue initiatives to “support farmers to produce more,” noting potentials for the expansion of rice, cocoa, cassava, ginger, and oil palm production in the wide enclave.
Mr. Mahama promised to tap into numerous prospects for irrigation farming along the Volta Lake and the heavily washed basin for year-round farming.
“These are the things that if we invest in, would benefit the people of the Volta and the Oti Regions,” he said.
The Flagbearer spoke of the need for infrastructure, and said his administration would construct roads and upgrade major markets within the corridor to “strengthen trade.”
Mr Mahama said his government would “reprioritise” the Keta Port project, and work to operationalise the Ho Airport.
He mentioned the tourism investment needs of the regions, and said his administration would ensure the industry was well positioned to attract international traffic.
The Flagbearer also said he would develop phase two of Hohoe Campus of the University of Health and Allied Sciences to help expand tertiary education access within the two Regions.
The regional media engagements, dubbed “Conversations with Mahama,” offered the opportunity for media practitioners to peruse the former President’s plans and economic strategies for the nation should he win the coming general elections.
Mr. Mahama used the occasion to clarify planned programes and initiatives such as first year tuition fee support for university students.
Media personnel present sought his take on pressing issues, and Mr. Emmanuel Agbaxode, Regional Chair for the Ghana Journalist Association inquired of the Media Development Fund.
Mr. Mahama gave the assurance that his next administration would work to improve upon the Fund and with the support and input from the media.
The Flagbearer would respond to topics related to the ongoing loss of coastal communities in the Volta Region to tidal waves, and the development of the Ho Teaching Hospital.
Water supply challenges in the Region were also brought to the fore.
Mr. Mahama’s four-day tour of the Volta Region took time to the various constituencies where he interacted with the public, traditional rulers, and faithful of the NDC.
He is being accompanied by Party executives both national and regional.
GNA