Accra: President John Dramani Mahama has announced a package of development initiatives aimed at improving the lives of residents in Zongo communities across the country, with planned investments in roads, education, healthcare, sanitation, and economic empowerment. Addressing thousands of worshippers at the National Eid al-Adha celebrations held at the Black Star Square in Accra, the President said his administration is intensifying efforts to address longstanding development challenges facing many Zongo communities. For residents who have for years called for better roads, improved schools, healthcare facilities, and job opportunities, the announcement offers renewed hope that critical infrastructure and social services will be brought closer to their doorsteps.
According to Ghana Web, President Mahama revealed that road construction and rehabilitation projects, together with other infrastructure works, will soon begin in various Zongo communities nationwide as part of a broader effort to improve living conditions and expand access to essential services. He emphasized that the government's vision extends beyond physical infrastructure and seeks to create opportunities that will improve the economic well-being of residents.
One of the key announcements made by the President focused on education and employment. He disclosed that the government, through the Youth Employment Agency, has recruited 6,000 Arabic teachers to support Islamic education while simultaneously creating jobs for young people. The programme is expected to grow in the coming years, providing additional employment opportunities and strengthening access to Arabic and Islamic studies in schools.
President Mahama also announced plans to construct Community Day STEM secondary schools in densely populated urban areas, including communities with large Zongo populations. He explained that locating the schools within communities would help reduce the challenges many students face when travelling long distances to access secondary education.
The President expressed gratitude to the Council of Zongo Chiefs for supporting the government's efforts by making land available for some of the planned projects. He further disclosed that the Zongo Development Fund and the Soya Fund are being operationalised to support small-scale businesses, traders, and informal sector workers, many of whom form the backbone of economic activity within Zongo communities. The initiatives, if fully implemented, are expected to improve access to education, create jobs, strengthen local businesses, and address infrastructure deficits that have long been a concern for many residents.