President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing the talents and contributions of indigenes from the Volta Region in his government’s appointments. He emphasized that the selection process will remain guided by principles of merit, competence, regional balance, gender equity, and availability to serve, ensuring inclusiveness and fairness in the distribution of leadership roles.
This assurance comes against the backdrop of recent tensions in the Volta Region, particularly following the vandalism of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) office in Ho. The incident, reportedly carried out by individuals dissatisfied with the perceived exclusion of a Ho Central indigene from the President’s latest ministerial appointments, highlighted growing concerns about representation in the region.
During his visit to Ho as part of his nationwide “Thank You” tour, President Mahama addressed these concerns directly, acknowledging the expectations of the people for more significant representation in his administration. He reassured residents that their contributions and talents have not been overlooked and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to integrating the Volta Region into the national agenda.
“I recognize the anticipation for appointments from this region, and as has been said, so far, so good. Let me assure you that your contributions and talents have not been overlooked,” the President stated. He further emphasized that the principles guiding his administration’s appointments are aimed at fostering unity, equity, and competence, ensuring that every region feels represented and valued in his government.
President Mahama also took the opportunity to reiterate his commitment to addressing the long-standing developmental challenges faced by the Volta Region. Acknowledging the region’s history of unfulfilled promises, he pledged to usher in a new era of progress and inclusivity, promising that the region would no longer be sidelined under his leadership.
“I have no doubt that the people of the Volta Region possess the resources and will to play pivotal roles in shaping the future of our nation. The Volta Region has long been a victim of unfulfilled promises, but I assure you that this era of neglect will end under this administration,” the President remarked.
His words were met with optimism by residents, who expressed renewed hope for a more focused approach to addressing the developmental needs of the region. The President’s acknowledgment of their concerns and his assurances of inclusiveness resonated with the people, many of whom believe that the Volta Region has been overlooked in previous administrations despite its significant contributions to the country’s socio-political landscape.
The visit, which formed part of a broader effort to engage citizens and express gratitude for their support in the recent elections, also highlighted President Mahama’s strategy of fostering direct communication with the populace. By addressing grievances and reassuring the people of their importance to the national agenda, the President sought to strengthen the bond between his administration and the Volta Region, a region that has traditionally been a stronghold of the National Democratic Congress.
The vandalism of the NDC office in Ho served as a stark reminder of the heightened expectations placed on the Mahama-led administration to deliver on its promises of inclusivity and development. While the incident was regrettable, it underscored the deep-seated desire among residents for greater recognition and representation in the governance of the country.
In response, President Mahama assured the people that his government is committed to addressing their concerns constructively, emphasizing that the current administration values the unique talents and potential of every region, including the Volta Region. He further noted that appointments are being carefully considered to ensure a balance that reflects the diversity and unity of the nation.
“I want to assure the people of the Volta Region that this administration values your contributions and recognizes the immense potential of this region. We are working diligently to ensure that appointments reflect the principles of fairness, competence, and inclusivity, and I remain committed to ensuring that this region receives its fair share of opportunities and development,” the President added.
Residents of the region expressed cautious optimism about the President’s assurances, with many calling for sustained efforts to translate these promises into tangible development projects. Key areas of concern include infrastructure development, job creation, and access to quality education and healthcare, which they believe will significantly improve the living conditions of the people.
The President’s remarks also come at a time when the issue of regional balance in governance continues to dominate national discourse. The emphasis on inclusivity and equity in appointments is seen as a crucial step toward fostering national unity and addressing the disparities that have historically characterized governance in Ghana.
By reaffirming his commitment to the Volta Region, President Mahama has sent a strong message that his administration recognizes the importance of every region in the nation’s development. His pledge to end the era of neglect and usher in a new phase of growth and inclusivity has reignited hope among residents, who now look forward to seeing these promises materialize in the coming months.
The President’s visit to Ho also served as an opportunity to engage directly with stakeholders, traditional leaders, and the broader community, fostering dialogue and understanding on the way forward. This approach aligns with his administration’s broader goal of building a government that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.
Expectations are high that the promises made during the President’s visit will not only materialize but also create long-term, sustainable benefits for the region and its residents. Many believe that by leveraging the region’s unique strengths and addressing its challenges, the government can foster development that contributes significantly to Ghana’s overall progress.
The focus on inclusivity in appointments has also been welcomed by political analysts, who see it as a step toward strengthening national cohesion. They note that regions like the Volta Region, which have historically played a key role in the country’s political landscape, deserve recognition and a fair share of leadership positions. By actively involving indigenes of the region in governance, the Mahama administration can further deepen the trust and loyalty of the people while addressing any lingering perceptions of neglect or marginalization.
However, while optimism abounds, some residents have urged the government to prioritize action over words. They emphasize that delivery on promises, particularly in areas of development and representation, will be the true measure of the administration’s commitment to the Volta Region.
