James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has presented his three-point agenda for the development of the region to the Volta Regional House of Chiefs during a formal visit by him and the Regional Coordinating Council

He presented his agenda during the first Volta Regional House of Chiefs Meeting in the year in Ho on Friday July 18.

Mr. Gunu said the visit offered an important platform to share his development vision and engage the House on key regional priorities. His three-point agenda include promoting peace and security to position the Volta Region as the most attractive investment destination in Ghana and beyond.

He also mentioned strengthening local governance by enhancing the capacity of Municipal and District Assemblies to deliver on their core mandates, especially local economic development and job creation.

The last point was accelerating development through partnerships by collaborating with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to realize President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for the Volta Region.

Mr. Gunu said the government’s 2025 national theme, “Stability, Growth and Prosperity for All,” challenges citizens and leaders alike to stay proactive, united, and focused.

He noted that the Volta Region is already aligning this vision with tangible action. Among key developments underway, he mentioned:

Ongoing work on the Eastern Corridor Road, rehabilitation of major feeder roads, and the modernization of key commercial hubs such as the Aflao Market Complex to stimulate border trade and regional integration.

Phase Two of the Blekusu Coastal Protection Project, awarded to Amandi Holdings, has begun to address the long-standing issue of tidal waves.

In agriculture, the Kenaf-Malaysia partnership is set to transform the sector with large-scale kenaf cultivation, creating thousands of green jobs and boosting industrial processing aligned with the export diversification drive.

The 2025 Budget’s 24-Hour Economy Policy promises significant benefits for Volta Region, including new agro-processing centers, extended public services, and energy solutions to support SMEs and emerging industrial parks.

He added that the upcoming Volta Trade and Investment Fair 2025 will feature a 24-hour operation on specific days—making it the first of its kind in Ghana.

Additionally, acres of land in Adaklu have already been secured for the development of an industrial park, with more lands expected to be acquired across other districts.

Touching on tourism, the Minister announced that several tourist and heritage sites will be upgraded to attract investment and celebrate the region’s rich cultural heritage.

However, Mr. Gunu stressed that sustainable development hinges on a peaceful and united traditional leadership, lamenting the growing number of unresolved chieftaincy disputes across the region. He appealed to the Judicial Committee of the House of Chiefs to fast-track resolutions.

“The government is prepared to support alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and logistical support, but we also encourage dialogue and unity,” he said.

“We must remind ourselves that we share a common mission—to build a Volta Region were tradition powers transformation.”

In response, Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, President of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Anfoega aTradiional Area, thanked the Minister for the visit and commended the government’s efforts so far.

He urged the administration to fast-track ongoing projects so citizens would experience the tangible benefits of voting for the NDC back into power.

He also emphasised that with many sons and daughters of the region holding key appointments, the time was ripe to bring lasting development home.

Togbui Adama III, Paramount Chief of the Somè Traditional Area, expressed gratitude for the government’s swift response during the recent tidal wave disaster in Ketu South, affecting communities like Agavedzi, Amutinu, and Salakofe.

Several other chiefs also commended the government for its leadership in the early months of the administration, expressing hope for accelerated progress through continued collaboration between traditional leadership and government.