The Volta Regional leadership of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), led by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP for North Tongu, held a press conference to highlight the critical developmental plans for the Volta Region featured in the recently launched NDC manifesto titled "Resetting Ghana." The manifesto, which was launched on August 24, 2024, at Winneba, outlines a robust strategic plan aimed at addressing the pressing challenges facing the region and the nation.

Volta Region: The NDC’s stronghold

Addressing the press, Hon. Ablakwa emphasized the NDC’s deep-rooted commitment to the Volta Region, often referred to as the “World Bank” of the party.

He described the manifesto as a “strategic blueprint” that goes beyond promises, focusing instead on concrete plans to reset Ghana and address the developmental needs of the Volta Region, which he stated has been neglected by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Key developmental projects for the Volta Region

The NDC’s manifesto outlines several significant projects specifically targeting the Volta Region, aiming to boost economic growth, enhance infrastructure, and improve the living standards of the people. Some of the major initiatives include:

Upgrading Ho Airport: Transforming the airport into a training hub with certified maintenance repairs and overhaul systems.

Reviving Agricultural Facilities: Bringing back abandoned ranches, farms, and meat factories, particularly focusing on the Aveyime rice farm and Adidome facilities.

Constructing Modern Markets and Fish Terminals: Developing a modern market in Aflao and constructing an inland fish terminal in Kpando Torkor to support the fish industry.

Expanding Water Supply Systems: Enhancing access to clean and safe water through projects in Ho, Sogakope, Kpeve, and Hohoe.

Building Inter-Regional Roads: Completing major roads such as the Eastern Corridor Road from Tema through Asikuma to Hohoe and beyond, and constructing key routes including Keta - Denu - Ho - Kpando - Worawora – Dambai.

Establishing a Cocoa Processing Plant: Setting up an Agro-Industrial Zone and a cocoa processing plant to support local farmers.

Healthcare Upgrades: Expanding the Ho Teaching Hospital and establishing a quaternary hospital to attract medical tourism to the region.

Broader National Policies Benefiting the Volta Region

The NDC’s manifesto also includes several national policies that will directly benefit residents of the Volta Region. These include:

No-Academic-Fee Policy: Providing free education for all first-year students in public tertiary institutions.

Free Primary Healthcare: Aimed at enhancing access to essential healthcare services for all Ghanaians.

Women’s Development Bank: A bank run by women to support women-owned and led businesses, with flexible loan terms aimed at empowering at least one million Ghanaian women.

24-Hour Economy Policy: Encouraging businesses to operate 24/7 to boost production, productivity, and job creation, transforming Ghana into an import substitution and export-led economy.

Call to Action

Hon. Ablakwa concluded by urging the people of the Volta Region to support the NDC in the upcoming elections, emphasizing that the comprehensive developmental plans can only be realized under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama. “Together, we can reset Ghana,” he declared, calling for massive voter turnout to ensure the implementation of these ambitious projects.

The NDC’s pledge to the Volta Region and the nation as a whole reflects a commitment to sustainable development, economic empowerment, and improved quality of life for all Ghanaians. As the 2024 elections approach, the NDC’s manifesto presents a vision of hope and transformation for the Volta Region and beyond.