President John Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s urgent commitment to the Damongo Water Supply expansion, calling it a top priority for his new term. Addressing the issue during a visit by Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I at the Presidency in Accra, Mahama expressed concern over the continued water crisis in the Savannah Region.
“The hardship faced by residents due to a lack of potable water is unacceptable in the 21st century,” he emphasized. Mahama assured that his government would fast-track the provision of clean water not only to Damongo but also to nearby towns such as Larabanga, Canteen, and Busunu.
The Yagbonwura, Overlord of Gonjaland, paid a visit to congratulate Mahama on his re-election in the December 7, 2024, polls. The President, alongside Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, warmly received the traditional leader and his delegation of Paramount Chiefs at the forecourt of the Jubilee House.
Touching on health infrastructure, Mahama reiterated the NDC’s manifesto pledge to build regional hospitals in all six newly created regions. For the Savannah Region, a fully equipped referral hospital is expected to be sited in Damongo, complementing the West Gonja Hospital. He noted that this would be supported by improved ambulance systems, staff accommodations, and adequate medical professionals.
On roads and transport, President Mahama announced that the Busunu-Daboya-Mankarigu Road would see significant upgrades. In addition, he revealed plans to construct key farming road corridors to improve trade routes and enhance access to education and healthcare.
He also highlighted feeder road projects across Central Gonja and North Gonja aimed at easing transportation and minimizing post-harvest losses. “I’m talking of the road from Yapei through Chama to Binjai and Salaga. This will link Central Gonja to Salaga,” he noted, adding that the government plans to build a bridge along the route to ensure access.
Progress is also being made on major bridge projects over the White Volta, including one to connect Daboya directly to Tamale. “The contractor is being paid so that the work can move faster,” he assured. Additional works on the Yapei and Buipe bridges are underway.
Addressing district-level developments, Mahama announced that all Savannah districts are among 166 districts earmarked to receive 10 kilometres of roads annually, amounting to 40 kilometres per district over four years. He confirmed the long-awaited Bole town roads and the Bole Chache road would finally be constructed.
The Sawla-Tuna-Kalba area is also set to benefit from these road initiatives, as the President concluded his remarks with a strong assurance of inclusive development for all communities in the region.
