President John Dramani Mahama concluded his “Thank You Tour” in the Savannah Region on Saturday, June 14, 2025, expressing profound appreciation to the chiefs and people of Gonjaland for their unwavering support over the years and during the recent elections. He assured them of his administration’s tireless efforts to promote development and appealed for continued support in the coming years.
During his address, President Mahama outlined an ambitious development agenda for the Savannah Region, promising significant investments across key sectors, including education, water infrastructure, roads, healthcare, and sports.
Education: A Catalyst for Progress
President Mahama emphasized that education remains the “bedrock of our nation’s progress,” stating that the Savannah Region’s educational landscape will receive significant attention. He announced the establishment of a University of Agriculture and Allied Sciences in the region, in line with the NDC’s 2024 manifesto commitment to establish a public university in all six new regions. This university will focus on training human resources vital for the “Feed Ghana program” and the broader agricultural economic transformation agenda.
“I am proud to announce that in line with the NDC 2024 manifesto to establish a public university in all the six (6) new regions, the public university will be established in the Savannah region. It will be a university whose focus will be on Agriculture and the Allied Sciences,” President Mahama declared.
Further commitments in education include the establishment of a STEM Senior High School in Tinga (Bole district) and a TVET Center of Excellence in Salaga. These centers are designed to provide hands-on vocational training in crucial areas such as ICT, construction, green technology, and agribusiness.
The President also announced the absorption of the Savannah College of Education in Daboya as a public teacher training institution, with directives issued to the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) and GETFUND to expedite staff recruitment and infrastructure development. Additionally, work on the abandoned college of education at Doli, near Bole, which commenced under his previous administration, is slated to resume this year.
Critical Infrastructure: Water and Roads
Addressing a long-standing need, President Mahama confirmed that the Damongo water supply system, which has faced significant delays, will soon be operational. He stated that designs are complete and funding has been secured from the European Union for the project. This vital initiative will draw water from the White Volta at Yapei, supplying over 8,000 residents in Damongo and all communities along the pipelines. “Access to clean water is not a luxury, it is a basic right,” he stressed.
On road infrastructure, the President highlighted the “BIG PUSH” national infrastructure master plan, which aims to link food-producing regions to markets and reduce travel times. He assured residents that the Damongo-Fufulso-Sawla road, which underwent a major upgrade during his previous tenure but has since deteriorated, will see new rehabilitation work, with a contractor soon to be on site.
Other major road and bridge projects include:
- The Techiman-Bole-Wa road under the Big Push infrastructure development plan.
- Continued funding and construction of the Daboya bridge, which President Mahama hopes to commission with Yagbonwura BiiKunuto Jewu Soale I.
- Reconstruction of the Buipe and Yapei bridges, citing their weakened state.
- Opening of new roads from Central Gonja district to link up to Salaga North and South, specifically the Yapei-Binjai-Salaga, Kusaugu-Kpinjipe, Adape, and Mpaha to Binjai roads.
- Work on the Busunu-Daboya-Mankarigu-Funbisi-Navrongo road, Sawla-Tuna-Kalba district roads, Bole-Chache road, and Bole town roads.
Healthcare, Sports, and Economic Development
President Mahama also revealed plans to construct a regional hospital and a modern sports stadium in Damongo, the Savannah regional capital.
To ensure balanced development, Regional Development Investment Plans will be drawn up for all six newly created regions, including the Savannah Region. These plans are designed to help the new regions catch up with older ones by aligning local priorities with national budget allocations, from feeder roads and irrigation to healthcare and digital infrastructure.
The President further affirmed his administration’s commitment to the area, noting the significant number of Savannah Region natives appointed to key roles within his government.
Concluding his address, President Mahama stated that he has instructed Energy Minister John Abdulai Jinapor and the Finance Minister to intensively monitor global developments and implement measures to protect Ghana’s fuel interests. He underscored that Ghana is not immune to external shocks and must prepare to safeguard the economic gains made since his administration assumed office in January 2025.
President Mahama’s tour team included prominent figures such as NDC General Secretary Fiifi Kwetey, Deputy Communication Officer Malik Basintale, Deputy Lands and Natural Resources Minister Yussif Sulemana Ori, and Energy Minister John Jinapor. They were joined by Savannah Regional Minister Lawyer Salisu Bi-awurbe Isifu Esq, Members of Parliament, Municipal and District Chief Executives, government appointees, and local party leadership.
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