President John Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to collaboratively work with Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II to address the various challenges facing Ghana, especially in the Ashanti Region.

Speaking during his visit to the first Akwasidae Festival of the year, President Mahama acknowledged the valuable work done by the Otumfuor and pledged to continue their collaboration to overcome the difficult economic situation the country currently faces.

"I want to emphasize that the economic progress we achieved in the past was due to the tremendous work you did, Your Majesty," President Mahama said

He added "We’ve inherited a challenging economic situation, but together, I know we can put our nation back on its feet,"

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Reflecting on their previous work together, President Mahama recalled several key projects that were undertaken during his presidency in the Ashanti Region, including the development of the Kumasi International Airport, the Kejetia Market, and the construction of many schools under the E-block initiative.

"I remember we worked together on the Kejetia market. We worked together on the Kumasi International Airport. We work together to build many schools, which we call the E - Blocks in several areas of your kingdom," he recalled

He also highlighted joint efforts to expand access to healthcare, improve the road network through the Cocoa Roads Program, and extend electricity and clean drinking water to numerous communities in the region.

However, President Mahama acknowledged the complaints raised by Otumfuo Nana Osei Tutu II regarding the slow pace of development in the Ashanti Region.

The Asantehene recently voiced concerns about the lack of infrastructure progress, particularly in Kumasi, the second-largest city in Ghana.

"Royal Majesty, lately I have heard you complain about the lack of development in the Ashanti region, and rightly so, because, as you have said, Ashanti region is the second most populous region in the whole of Ghana, and Kumasi is the second largest city, and as you rightly noted, in every country. The second largest city is equipped and developed almost as close as the first city, because in the event of crisis or invasion or war, government must be able to retreat to another city where it can function. In order to save the country, and so I agree with you," he explained

President Mahama agreed with the importance of ensuring Kumasi is developed to the level of the capital city, Accra, as it plays a strategic role in the country’s governance and security.

"Every country with a second-largest city ensures it is developed to a level close to the capital," he noted.

He further added that "In times of crisis or war, the government must have a functional backup city, and Kumasi should be ready to serve that role."

One pressing issue Mahama highlighted was the incomplete Siwa Hospital, a project that has faced delays due to a lack of electricity, water, and an accessible road.

"The Siwa hospital is not operational because there's no electricity, there's no water, and the road to the hospital has not been constructed. I wish to assure you that we will tackle it immediately. And make sure that we can open the doors of that hospital, so that it will ease the pressure on the comfort" he promised

Mahama’s statements were a call to action for renewed efforts to complete essential infrastructure projects that have been stalled for years.

He promised to continue his work with the Asantehene to address these issues and improve the living standards of the people in Ashanti, as well as the nation as a whole.

The president’s commitment to resolving these infrastructural challenges has been welcomed by many in the region, who hope that his leadership can once again bring the focus and resources needed to propel the Ashanti Region forward.