President John Mahama has announced plans to implement a comprehensive programme to tackle emerging environmental challenges in the Bono Region.

The President said the “Green Bono Agenda” would be launched soon, explaining that the implementation of the programme would focus on afforestation, water resources protection, and climate-resilient agriculture.

That, he said, would greatly help combat deforestation, address water scarcity, and land degradation in the region.

President Mahama was addressing a durbar of chiefs and people of the Bono Region at the Sunyani Jubilee Park, as part of his ‘Thank You Tour’ to the region.

He reiterated the commitment of his government to restore degraded forests and vegetative covers, polluted water bodies, as well as invest hugely in small-town water systems to improve access to safe drinking water in the local communities.

President Mahama said the execution of the programme would prioritise sustainable environmental practices, saying the Bono Regional Coordinating Council would engage local communities as key stakeholders to make the programme implementation successful.

He highlighted the crucial role of traditional authorities in the nation’s development processes, peace building and environmental protection, pledging to strengthen the House of Chiefs and empower traditional councils to enable chiefs and queens to contribute meaningfully to local government.

“Chiefs are not merely custodians of tradition but vital partners in progressive development,” the President stated, saying, “through constitutional review, we intend to empower them further in environmental and sanitation oversight”.

Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Dr Agyemang Badu II, the Paramount Chief of the Dormaa Traditional Area and the President of the Bono Regional House of Chiefs, commended the President for his all-inclusive governance approach.

He lauded the President for appointing more of the youth to occupy key positions in his government and urged the appointees to work hard for the President to achieve his vision for the nation.

Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Badu II applauded the government’s efforts to stabilise the cedi, calling for sustained policies to support the economy.

The Paramount Chief said he was highly optimistic that the cedi would strengthen further, projecting an exchange rate of GH₵5 to $1 by the end of the year.

Osagyefo Oseadeeyo Badu II urged the government to facilitate accountability in the National Cathedral project and to recover misused funds.