"Mahama Announces Plans for Volta Region to Lead in Oil Palm Production and Vegetable Oil Processing"

On Friday, President John Dramani Mahama visited the Volta Region, where he reassured the chiefs and people that they would receive their fair share of national resources. During his visit, he underscored that agriculture and agribusiness would be a top priority for the government in the region.

President Mahama specifically highlighted the Volta Palm Initiative, a private-led project that has already started but will receive additional government support to expand. He emphasized that with this support, the Volta Region will transform into a major center for oil palm production and processing into vegetable cooking oil. “The government will provide resources to expand this initiative, ensuring that the Volta Region becomes the hub of oil palm production and processing in the country,” he stated during his address in Ho at the durbar of chiefs and people. This visit forms part of the President’s nationwide “Thank You Tour,” which aims to show his gratitude to the people of Ghana for their overwhelming support in the 2024 elections.

In addition to the Volta Palm Initiative, President Mahama also announced plans to provide support for rice farmers in Afife and other parts of the Volta Region. He assured farmers that the government would provide the necessary equipment, financial resources, and processing capabilities to boost rice production in the region. The goal is to establish a Volta-branded rice, helping to reduce the country’s reliance on rice imports while promoting domestic production.

The President also addressed opportunities in the Oti Region, particularly for ginger farmers. He revealed that the government would set up processing plants to produce ginger powder, ginger oil, and other ginger-based products for export. In the Tongu area, which is known for its cassava production, President Mahama shared plans for a cassava processing plant. This facility would create various products from cassava, adding value to the crop and stimulating local economic growth.

Reflecting on his first term in office, the President spoke about the initiatives undertaken to boost cocoa production in the Volta Region. Under his leadership, the government had established seedling banks and provided free seedlings and extension services to encourage young people to venture into cocoa farming. He lamented that these projects had been neglected after he left office but assured the people of Volta that his government would revive and expand cocoa production, with the goal of making the region one of the country’s major cocoa producers.

President Mahama acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead but expressed optimism about the future. “The road ahead will not be easy, and I do not underestimate the task before us, but together, we can build the Ghana we all desire,” he said. He stressed the importance of unity in achieving national progress, stating that differences should be a source of strength rather than division. He urged the people to set aside any divisions and work together for the collective good of the nation.

Togbe Tepre Hodo IV, the President of the Volta Region House of Chiefs, took the opportunity to remind President Mahama of his campaign promises to the region. In his address, read on his behalf, Togbe Hodo called on the government to focus on improving road infrastructure in the region and to tap into its agricultural potential. He also appealed for the operationalization of the Ho Airport to boost connectivity and economic activity in the region.

Togbe Afede XIV, the Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State and President of the Asogli Traditional Area, spoke to the President and his appointees, stressing the importance of upholding the founding principles of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), particularly transparency, probity, and accountability. He encouraged the government to remain committed to these values in order to honor the legacy of the party’s founding fathers.

Concluding his speech, President Mahama expressed confidence in the Volta Region’s potential for growth and development, emphasizing that with the support of the chiefs and people, the government could achieve significant progress. “Volta has always been a beacon of hope,” he said, adding that unity and determination would pave the way for a brighter future for Ghana. He urged the people of the region to move forward together and remain optimistic about the nation’s future, before ending with, “May God bless our homeland, Ghana.”