Accra: Mr James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has outlined significant achievements in education, healthcare, water supply, infrastructure, and economic development, reaffirming the government's commitment to accelerating development across the Volta Region. Addressing members of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs, the Minister highlighted various initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic wellbeing of residents and bridging development gaps across the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Gunu emphasized that education remains a key priority, with several infrastructure projects underway in senior high schools, supported by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund). He revealed that multiple facilities, including dining halls, dormitory blocks, classroom blocks, administration blocks, science laboratories, libraries, toilet facilities, staff bungalows, headmasters' bungalows, and sick bays, are being constructed across the region. These projects aim to enhance the teaching and learning environment for students and staff.
In healthcare, Mr Gunu announced that all district assemblies in the region are directed to construct at least two Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds annually to address infrastructure deficits. With a gap of 253 facilities, the government is constructing healthcare centers as part of the Free Primary Healthcare initiative introduced by President John Dramani Mahama. All 18 districts are expected to benefit from this initiative.
Addressing water supply challenges, Mr Gunu stated that the government is drilling mechanized boreholes for communities and institutions while pursuing major water expansion projects. He noted that Ho and its environs currently require about 33,000 cubic meters of water daily but receive only about 11,000 cubic meters. Progress is being made on the Kpeve Water Supply Expansion Project and the Adidome-Akatsi-Aflao water transmission project, which are expected to deliver about 35,000 cubic meters of water daily upon completion.
The Minister also announced the development of 24-hour economy market projects in every district, including shops, pharmacies, parking spaces, kindergartens, and other supporting infrastructure to promote economic activity. Progress is underway towards the proposed Keta Port project, with environmental approval secured and interest from 42 potential investors. The government is exploring a railway connection between the port and Burkina Faso to facilitate cargo movement.
In agriculture and employment, Mr Gunu mentioned the distribution of 180,000 day-old chicks across the region under a poultry development initiative, with each district receiving 10,000 birds. Over 1,200 beneficiaries have enrolled in the National Apprenticeship Programme, and about 500 young entrepreneurs have received seed capital through the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP).
Mr Gunu highlighted ongoing coastal protection interventions, such as the West Africa Coastal Areas Programme (WACA) and the Blekusu Phase Two Sea Defence Project. He emphasized the government's commitment to tourism development, citing efforts to improve access roads to the Wli Waterfalls and other tourist destinations to boost visitor numbers and stimulate local economic growth.
Addressing road safety concerns, he expressed worry over the increasing number of fatalities on the Eastern Corridor Road and pledged continued collaboration with relevant agencies to improve road safety and emergency response services. Plans to strengthen facilities at the Peki Government Hospital, including establishing an Accident and Emergency and Trauma Centre, were also announced.
Mr Gunu appealed to traditional authorities for continued partnership with the government in advancing development across the region and encouraged chiefs to offer constructive advice for sustainable progress. He expressed optimism that ongoing interventions and flagship programs would accelerate socio-economic transformation in the Volta Region and improve the quality of life for residents.
Members of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs commended the government for the development initiatives and urged authorities to sustain the momentum to ensure community-wide benefits. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting government efforts and pledged continued collaboration to promote the socio-economic development of the Volta Region.