President John Dramani Mahama has engaged residents of Koforidua as part of his ongoing Resetting Ghana Tour, outlining key reforms and development priorities aimed at strengthening local governance, economic recovery, and social services.
Decentralisation Drive Gains Momentum
A central highlight of the President’s address was government’s renewed push for decentralisation. He revealed that 80 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) is now being transferred directly to local assemblies.
According to him, the move is intended to:
- Accelerate project execution
- Reduce bureaucratic delays
- Empower local authorities to respond more effectively to community needs
Economic Indicators Show Improvement
On the economy, President Mahama pointed to what he described as significant fiscal progress, citing a reduction in Ghana’s debt-to-GDP ratio from 67 percent to 45 percent.
He noted that:
- The country is transitioning from economic stabilisation to growth
- Government is now prioritising job creation and private-sector investment
- A new investment-driven policy framework is being implemented to sustain recovery
Infrastructure Development Back on Track
The President also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects across the country, including road construction in the Eastern Region.
He made specific reference to the Ekyi Amanfrom–Adawso road, noting that:
- The project is being financed domestically
- It reflects government’s commitment to self-funded infrastructure development
Energy Sector Expansion
Addressing energy concerns, President Mahama commended engineers for restoring stability to the national grid following recent disruptions.
He further announced plans to:
- Increase Ghana’s power generation capacity to nearly 6,000 megawatts (MW)
- Expand gas-powered energy projects
- Strengthen international energy partnerships
These efforts, he said, are critical to supporting industrial growth and ensuring reliable power supply.
Healthcare Access and Preventive Focus
In the health sector, the President outlined two key initiatives:
- MahamaCares
- Free Primary Healthcare Programme
Both programmes aim to:
- Expand access to healthcare services
- Address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
He also called on traditional leaders to support nationwide screening campaigns, stressing the importance of early detection and prevention.
Agriculture and Job Creation
On agriculture, President Mahama emphasised the role of the sector in job creation and economic transformation.
He encouraged stronger collaboration under flagship programmes such as:
- Nkoko Nkitinkiti
- Feed Ghana
These initiatives are designed to:
- Boost local food production
- Reduce import dependency
- Create sustainable employment opportunities
A Broader Development Agenda
The President reaffirmed government’s commitment to:
- Driving inclusive economic growth
- Expanding employment opportunities
- Improving livelihoods across all regions
The Resetting Ghana Tour, he noted, remains a key platform for engaging citizens directly and ensuring that national policies reflect local priorities.