Mahama Promises to Resume Work on Asesewa Water Project if Elected

The flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has assured the chiefs and people of Asesewa in the Upper Manya Krobo Constituency of his commitment to completing the abandoned Asesewa water project if he is elected in the December 7, 2024, elections.

Addressing residents on Friday, November 22, during the final day of his five-day campaign tour of the Eastern Region, Mr. Mahama expressed disappointment over the halting of the project, which the NDC initiated during his tenure in office. He emphasized the importance of providing safe and reliable drinking water to the community.

Background of the Project

Mr. Mahama recounted the origins of the water project, which was designed to supply water to Koforidua and other towns in the Eastern Region. However, he noted that the needs of local residents near the water source were overlooked.

“Koforidua and a lot of towns within the Eastern Region didn’t have water, so they embarked on a project to draw water from this town to Koforidua for distribution,” he said.
“Looks like they forgot that those of us close to the water body can also drink from it. During Professor Mills’ time, the chiefs complained that these two lacked good drinking water.”

Under his administration, the NDC initiated the Asesewa water project, which included the laying of pipes to supply water to the community. However, the project was abandoned after the NDC left power in 2017.

“Unfortunately, the NDC left power, and just like that, the project was abandoned. Don’t worry, when we come back to power, we will resume the project so that Asesewa can get good drinking water,” Mr. Mahama assured.

Commitment to Modernizing Asesewa Market

In addition to the water project, Mr. Mahama pledged to modernize the historic Asesewa market. He described it as a vital commercial hub and promised that his government would oversee its transformation to meet the growing needs of traders and residents.

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Achievements of John Dramani Mahama During His Presidency (2012–2017)

John Dramani Mahama, who served as President of Ghana from July 24, 2012, to January 7, 2017, oversaw a range of infrastructure and socio-economic projects aimed at improving the country’s development. Below is an overview of his achievements:

Infrastructure Development

1. Road Projects:
   • Construction and expansion of key highways, including the Kwame Nkrumah Circle Interchange (popularly known as the “Dubai Interchange”), a major improvement in urban traffic management.
   • Commenced construction of the Eastern Corridor Road to connect northern Ghana with the south.
   • Upgraded several feeder roads in rural areas to improve access and support agriculture.
2. Energy Sector:
   • Oversaw the addition of significant power generation capacity during the “Dumsor” energy crisis, including the commissioning of the Karpowership and the Atuabo Gas Plant, which significantly boosted local energy production.
   • Expanded renewable energy initiatives and introduced solar energy projects in off-grid rural communities.
3. Education:
   • Initiated and built 123 of the 200 planned Community Day Senior High Schools (E-Blocks) to increase access to secondary education.
   • Expanded school infrastructure at the primary and tertiary levels.
   • Enhanced teacher training programs and introduced modern ICT tools for teaching and learning.
4. Healthcare:
   • Constructed major health facilities, including the University of Ghana Medical Centre, Ridge Hospital Expansion, and Upper West Regional Hospital in Wa.
   • Initiated and completed CHPS compounds to improve healthcare access in rural communities.
   • Expanded National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) coverage.
5. Water and Sanitation:
   • Completed water supply projects such as the Kpong Water Supply Expansion Project and the Teshie Desalination Plant, providing access to clean water for millions of Ghanaians.
   • Promoted sanitation campaigns and infrastructure improvements in urban areas.
6. Transport:
   • Revitalized Ghana’s aviation industry, culminating in the commissioning of Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport, enhancing international travel and positioning Ghana as a regional aviation hub.
   • Invested in railway infrastructure, including feasibility studies for rail expansions.

Economic Policies and Social Initiatives

1. Social Protection:
   • Expanded the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program to provide support to vulnerable families.
   • Introduced the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) to address unemployment.
2. Agriculture:
   • Boosted support for farmers through subsidies on fertilizers and seeds.
   • Initiated irrigation projects like the Tamne Irrigation Project to enhance agricultural productivity.
3. Economic Stabilization:
   • Implemented the Home Grown Policy to address fiscal imbalances, which included measures to reduce inflation and stabilize the Ghana cedi.
   • Secured funding from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support macroeconomic stability.

Governance and Policy Reforms:

1. Constitutional Reforms:
   • Advocated for key constitutional amendments, although some initiatives faced delays in parliamentary approval.
2. Digitalization:
   • Laid the foundation for e-governance, including the implementation of paperless systems at Ghana’s ports.

While Mr. Mahama’s tenure witnessed significant achievements, it was also marked by challenges, including the energy crisis, fiscal deficits, and public debt concerns. His campaign for 2024 centers on resuming unfinished projects and building on his prior achievements to address Ghana’s current socio-economic challenges.

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