Mahama reaffirms commitment to accountable governance during Wa citizen engagement
Written by; Regina Bless
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to accountable governance, transparent decision-making and direct engagement with citizens as he interacted with residents of the Upper West Region during the ‘Resetting Ghana’ Citizen Engagement in Wa.
The engagement provided residents with an opportunity to raise concerns, ask questions and seek clarification on government policies and ongoing development initiatives.
Addressing the concerns raised, President Mahama outlined progress and interventions in key areas including infrastructure, healthcare, education, job creation and economic transformation.
Infrastructure and Economic Development
President Mahama said government’s infrastructure agenda is aimed not only at addressing Ghana’s infrastructure deficit but also at laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
He explained that the strategy would begin with major trunk roads and progressively extend to feeder roads to improve connectivity and facilitate economic activity across communities.
The President also highlighted plans for significant investments in strategic sectors under the proposed New Economy Programme, alongside initiatives aimed at expanding economic opportunities across the regions.
These include the proposed Women’s Development Bank, support for local agricultural production and plans for the construction of the Upper West Airport.
Expanding Access to Healthcare
On healthcare, President Mahama highlighted the expansion of the Free Primary Healthcare programme, noting that NHIS coverage has increased to 76 percent.
He said the programme is intended to bring essential healthcare services, particularly maternal and child health services, closer to communities and reduce barriers to accessing basic medical care.
Education and Employment
The President reiterated government’s commitment to ending the double-track system by the end of 2027, while stressing the importance of discipline, integrity and effective teaching and learning within Ghana’s educational institutions.
On employment, President Mahama outlined government’s strategy to create more sustainable opportunities for young people through the 24-Hour Economy.
He encouraged private-sector investment, additional production shifts and entrepreneurship as important pathways towards expanding employment and strengthening Ghana’s productive capacity.
Clarification on Arabic and Chinese
Responding to concerns about education policy, President Mahama clarified that there is no approved government policy making Arabic or Chinese compulsory subjects in public schools.
The clarification follows concerns and public discussions surrounding the possible introduction of additional language requirements in the country’s education system.
National Cathedral
The President also addressed questions concerning the National Cathedral, reiterating that he has no objection to the project itself.
However, he maintained that his concerns relate to the project’s location, the demolition of public and diplomatic properties and the use of public funds to finance its construction.
President Mahama said his position is therefore focused on issues of accountability, public resources and the appropriate use of state property.
The Wa engagement forms part of the President’s ‘Resetting Ghana’ Citizen Engagement Tour, which seeks to provide a platform for direct interaction between government and citizens.
The initiative underscores the administration’s stated commitment to allowing citizens to question government, demand accountability and contribute to discussions on Ghana’s development.