Accra: President John Dramani Mahama on Friday assured the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya-Na Abukari II, and the Northern Region of their fair share of national development initiatives. He emphasized that the growth of Dagbon and the entire Northern Region remains a central priority for his administration.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama expressed his commitment to the social and economic transformation of northern Ghana, stressing partnerships with traditional authorities and investments in practical development. This statement was made during a courtesy visit by the Overlord of Dagbon and his chiefs to congratulate President Mahama on his victory in the December 2024 general election.
The President highlighted the 2025 Budget Statement, which includes specific interventions aimed at accelerating growth, promoting equity, and deepening inclusion in northern Ghana. Notably, the Northern Savannah Economic Transformation Programme plans to develop over 10,000 hectares of irrigated land in Nasia, Dungu, and Bulung, creating jobs for over 8,000 young farmers and boosting the production of rice, maize, and soya beans.
He also mentioned plans to turn the Northern Region into a major agro-industrial hub, with Yendi, Savelugu, and Karaga as key agribusiness processing centers. Additionally, the President announced investments to strengthen the shea and cashew value chains, which would benefit rural women and provide sustainable livelihoods.
President Mahama recalled the launch of the National Apprenticeship Programme in Tamale, emphasizing the importance of youth development. The 2025 budget has allocated funds for the programme, aiming to train over 5,000 youths in employable skills such as carpentry, welding, and agribusiness.
Regarding health, the President announced the Savannah Health Investment Plan, which includes rehabilitating the Yendi Municipal Hospital and building two new CHPS compounds. The Government plans to deploy 30 additional community nurses in rural Dagbon by December, as part of the Mahama Cares policy framework.
In infrastructure, President Mahama discussed the Northern Roads Improvement Corridor, which involves upgrading the Tamale-Yendi-Tatale Corridor and improving feeder roads to enhance mobility for farmers and traders. The Eastern Corridor Road project will also see completion under the Big Push initiative.
President Mahama emphasized the necessity of delivering tangible results, stating that the Community Infrastructure Development Fund will finance water and sanitation projects in underserved communities. The Yendi water supply system and Tamale water expansion project, funded by the European Union, are also set for execution.
Ya-Na Abukari II urged President Mahama to continue prioritizing people-centered policies to ensure that the needs and welfare of Ghanaians remain at the forefront of decision-making.