Accra: Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has expressed concerns regarding the marginalization of the Volta Region during the eight-year tenure of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration, stating that the region was deprived of its equitable share in national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Gunu highlighted that despite the NPP government's emphasis on infrastructure development, the Volta Region remained largely excluded from significant development initiatives. He made these remarks during a sod-cutting ceremony for a new two-storey administrative office complex for the Ketu South Municipal Health Directorate, a project entirely funded by a private individual.
Mr Gunu pointed out the lack of prioritization for the Aflao-Ho Road corridor under the NPP's 'Year of Roads' initiative, phases one and two. He mentioned that responses to inquiries about development projects in the Volta Region often suggested that the region was not part of the national agenda, reflecting the reality on the ground.
The Regional Minister noted that the return of President John Dramani Mahama to office has restored hope among the Volta Region's residents, with assurances of renewed attention under the current administration. In the coming months, the government plans to commission 36 Community-based Health Planning and Services compounds across the region to enhance healthcare access, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
Mr Gunu also announced significant investments in the education sector through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), which includes constructing 24 dining halls in selected Senior High Schools across the region. Additionally, the projects will feature 40 girls' dormitories, various classroom blocks, administration blocks, staff bungalows, and other educational facilities.
He emphasized that these initiatives are part of the government's broader effort to ensure equitable development across all regions, underscoring that the Volta Region will not be left behind. The government also plans to elevate certain districts to municipal status and some municipalities to metropolitan status to facilitate strategic development.
Anloga and South Tongu are being considered for municipal status elevation, while Ho, Hohoe, and Ketu South are under consideration for metropolitan status. These proposed changes aim to deepen decentralization, improve development planning, and attract increased resources to the affected areas.
Mr Gunu reassured the people of Ketu South that the proposed elevation of the municipality would not undermine the President's commitment to addressing calls for further administrative restructuring, including the possible creation of new districts. He encouraged residents to support the government's ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure, healthcare, and education in the region.