President John Mahama, on Sunday, July 20, praised residents of the Eastern Region for helping to maintain peace during the 2024 elections, while unveiling an ambitious infrastructure plan designed to boost roads, healthcare, water, and education across the region.

Speaking at Jackson Park in Koforidua alongside top officials of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), including National Chairman Johnson Asiedu Nketia and General Secretary

Fiifi Fiavi Kwetey, Mr. Mahama credited the region’s “prayers and solidarity” with helping to avert anticipated unrest during the polls.

“By the grace of God, victory came to the side of the National Democratic Congress,” Mahama said, “and we are here to say thank you.”

The president announced a series of projects under a programme dubbed the “Big Push” aimed at addressing Ghana’s estimated $1.5 billion annual infrastructure deficit.

He said funds sourced from oil and gas revenues, along with export proceeds, would fuel the initiative.

Among planned projects for the Eastern Region are the dualization of the Koforidua–Bunso–Apedwa stretch, the completion of the Osino–Anyinam bypass, and a modern bridge over the Afram River.

President Mahama also said the Eastern Regional water supply system would be extended to reach about one million residents.

“Eastern Region plays a pivotal role in Ghana’s economy,” Mahama noted. “We are committed to ensuring it receives its fair share of the national cake.”

In the education sector, Mr. Mahama cited the reimbursement of first-year academic fees and restoration of monthly allowances to nursing and teaching students, following the payment of six months’ arrears.

The president also said an audit into road contracts had uncovered duplicate payments, and affirmed that affected contractors would face legal consequences, while others would be cleared to resume work.

He praised the contributions of the people of the Eastern Region serving in his government, including Chief of Staff Mr. Julius Debrah, Defence Minister, Mr. Omane Boamah; Regional minister, Mrs. Rita Akosua Awatey; and Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment, Mr. George Opare Addo, among a tall list.

Mr. Mahama also reiterated his pledge to complete the Eastern Regional Hospital project started by the previous administration.

“We began the push for eastern regional development under Prof John Evans Atta Mills,” Mahama said. “Now we must finish it.”

Welcoming the president’s visit, Nene Sakite II, Konor of the Manya Krobo Traditional Area and President of the Eastern Regional House of Chiefs, said the visit marked a “significant milestone” for the region’s leadership.

“We are deeply honoured by your presence,” he said. “Following your landslide victory, we sent formal congratulations and requested a courtesy visit to the Jubilee House. While that audience remains pending, we are grateful you visited us first.”

He assured the president of the chiefs’ continued collaboration on national development but flagged several issues, including deteriorating infrastructure, particularly in Krobo land.

“Good is not good enough where better is possible,” the Chief remarked. “Your leadership must now build on this momentum to bring sustainable development, hope and prosperity to all Ghanaians.”

Nene Sakite also warned of environmental degradation caused by illegal mining and invoked a symbolic “11th commandment”:

“Thou shalt not destroy the environment.”

He pledged the House of Chiefs’ support in environmental protection and urged the government to sustain the fight against galamsey.

Concerns were also raised about the recent merger of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs with Local Government, with the chief calling for transparency and assurance that their strategic role would not be diminished.

“This institution has survived colonialism, independence and constitutional evolution,” he said. “It remains a critical pillar of national identity, unity and governance.”

Nene Sakite revisited Mahama’s earlier donation to rehabilitate the Regional House of Chiefs’ office, noting work stalled again after initial progress by Ghana National Petroleum Corporation, and called for renewed commitment to complete the project.

He called for job creation, transparency, and restoration of public integrity.

“You understand the challenges and have the wisdom to navigate them,” Nene Sakite said. “We assure you of our unwavering commitment to peace, stability, unity and shared values under your leadership.”