Accra: Nana Kobina Nketsia V, President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs and Omanhene of Assikado Traditional Area, led a delegation to pay a courtesy visit to President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency. The visit was to congratulate President Mahama on his victory in Ghana's December 7, 2024, general election.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama acknowledged the Western Region as Ghana's natural resource basket, highlighting its significant contribution to the nation's economic progress through cocoa production, timber exports, gold mining, oil and gas exploitation, and more. He emphasized the region's rich cultural heritage and its historic leaders, including Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
President Mahama expressed the potential of the Western Region in leading Ghana towards industrialization and economic diversification. He assured the chiefs that the government would focus on addressing developmental gaps, with plans to invest $10 billion in infrastructure development under the Big Push project. Prioritized projects include road upgrades in key areas like the Takoradi-Agona-Nkwanta-Elubu Highway and feeder roads in cocoa-growing and mining areas.
The President also mentioned continuing the Sino-Hydro interchange projects in Takoradi and the rehabilitation of the Western Railway line. Emphasizing the importance of the rail system for the mining sector, he outlined plans for a manganese refinery and an alumina refinery in the region to add value to raw exports.
Furthermore, President Mahama discussed the expansion of the Takoradi Port under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement, aiming to establish an oil and gas services hub and improve export efficiency.
Nana Kobina Nketsia, on behalf of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, congratulated President Mahama and praised his leadership and economic policies, noting the transformation evident in the country, including the appreciation of the Ghana Cedi.
