Former President John Dramani Mahama on Saturday assured the people of the Volta Region of the best development under the next National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration.
He said the region had great potential in agribusiness and tourism and that the NDC administration would harness those potential to optimize development.
“Volta deserves all it can get from an NDC administration and just as we have done before, we shall do it again for our beloved Region. I am personally committed to the development of the Volta Region,” he said.
Mr Mahama was addressing the chiefs and people of the Asogli State at the grand durbar of this year’s Te Za’ (Yam Festival) in Ho.
It was on the theme: ‘Let’s Eschew Greed, Unite for Peace, Development, and Prosperity.’
Mr Mahama lamented delays in the completion of projects his government initiated and promised to complete and operationalize the same should the NDC assume power on January 7, 2025.
He said the Ho Airport was a project he was proud to have undertaken during his tenure and but for that infrastructure he would not have made it to the grand durbar in time as he was engaged in an equally important meeting in Accra.
‘People are criticizing the reason underpinning the construction of the Ho Airport. But I am unwavering in the reason that underpins that infrastructure.”
The Volta Region was the best for the project just as it would have been for Wa or Takoradi, he said.
Mr Mahama expressed appreciation to the chiefs and people for their continuous support of the NDC over the years.
He was full of praise for Togbe Afede XIV, the Paramount Chief of the Asogli State, for his boldness in fighting corruption, describing him as “One traditional leader, who stands by the truth no matter who gets angry.”
“You are a man of principle and conviction, we all admire you. Do not change, be yourself.”
Togbe Afede, on his part, said this year’s festival was extraordinary, with new features such as youth empowerment, anti-corruption, and a summit of traditional leaders.
He said the nation had missed the dream of the self-rule of the founding fathers, and fallen to the rungs of high living costs, joblessness, and all forms of retrogression.
Togbe Afede blamed the challenges on greed and corruption and expressed the hope that the theme of the festival would help redirect thoughts toward nation building.
“The nation’s leadership must not solely focus on winning and retaining power, but seek to secure the development aspirations of the people,” he said.
Mr Mahama was accompanied by his wife, Lordina, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, General Secretary of the NDC, Julius Debrah, former Chief of Staff, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, some regional and constituency executives, and a host of NDC bigwigs.
Also in attendance were some diplomats including Madam Selma Ashipala-Musavy, Namibian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Sugangh Rajaram, the India High Commissioner, chief executives of corporate organizations, and a delegation of chiefs from Notsie, Togo, led by Togbega Dzidzorli X, among others.
Some activities recorded during this year’s s festival included health walk, sports, clean-up exercise, mountain hiking, hailing of the new yam, and purification rites.
