By: Daniel Yao Akpabli | ignewss – Accra, Ghana
President assures Dagbon chiefs of support for peace, water supply and economic growth.
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing infrastructure deficits in northern Ghana, identifying peace and reliable public infrastructure as essential to attracting private investment and creating sustainable jobs for young people.
He gave the assurance when a delegation of chiefs from the Dagbon Traditional Area, led by the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II, paid a courtesy call on him at the seat of government.
The visit was to express the gratitude of the chiefs and people of Dagbon to the President and the state for their support during the illness, funeral rites and burial of the late Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, as well as the peaceful enskinment of the Regent.
President Mahama said his administration remained committed to working with traditional authorities to consolidate peace and accelerate development across the region.
“Our fundamental responsibility as a government is to foster a safe, peaceful, and enabling environment—encouraging dialogue at every turn and ensuring that every single community feels protected and valued,” he said.
Government pledges respect for traditional authority.
The president reaffirmed the government’s respect for the customs and institutions of Dagbon, assuring the chiefs that his administration would not interfere in chieftaincy affairs.
He stressed that maintaining peace in the traditional area required collective commitment, mutual respect and responsible leadership.
“The peace of Dagbon is priceless, and we must safeguard it deliberately through our words, policies, and shared respect for one another,” he said.
President Mahama also paid tribute to the late Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, describing him as a father figure, personal friend and peacemaker who contributed to restoring harmony across the Dagbon Kingdom.
He urged Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II to build on his late father’s legacy through wisdom, consultation and inclusive leadership.
The President assured the regent of the government’s support in efforts to strengthen unity and promote development in the kingdom.
Water projects to benefit northern communities
As part of measures to address infrastructure challenges, President Mahama announced plans for an expansion of piped water networks in Tamale, Yendi and Damongo through a project financed by the European Union.
He also announced the provision of heavy-duty pumps for the Dalong waterworks, which he said were expected to become fully operational the following month to improve water supply in Tamale.
The proposed interventions are intended to address persistent water supply challenges and improve access to essential services in the beneficiary communities.
The President said investments in basic infrastructure would also help reduce the cost of living and doing business while creating conditions for agro-industrial development and private-sector investment in the north.
Dagbon pledges partnership with government
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II pledged to uphold the values of tolerance, peace and development associated with his late father.
He expressed the kingdom’s readiness to work with the central government to promote youth entrepreneurship, protect communal peace and expand economic opportunities for residents.
The Regent said the traditional authorities remained committed to supporting initiatives that would advance the welfare of the people and strengthen Dagbon’s contribution to national development.
The meeting comes amid renewed calls for greater investment in infrastructure and economic opportunities in northern Ghana, where improved access to reliable water, transport and other public services remains important to local development.
SOURCE: www.ignewss.com | Presidency