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NDC didn’t neglect Volta Region—John Mahama dismisses claim
Former President, Mr John Dramani Mahama said it is untrue claims by a section of the public that the National Democratic Congress (NDC)-led government neglected the Volta Region when in power.
Everything in the Volta Region including, electricity, water, schools, health facilities and roads, was provided by the NDC, he insisted.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Togbe Afede XIV, Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State as part of his ‘Thank You’ tour in Ho yesterday, Mr Mahama cited the five-district water project at Adidome which according to him, came to a stand-still when the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took over power five years ago.
He also mention the Sokode-Ho dual carriage highway project which was still abandoned by the ruling NPP and challenged them to point out a single development project they had carried out successfully in the region over the past five years.
The former President said that the NDC’s strong support base in the Volta Region was still intact and stronger than before; and reassuring of victory for the party in 2024.
He mentioned the sterling naval base in the South Tongu District, Anloga Shopping Centre, Ho Central Market and the various ICT centres in the Volta Region which he said testified to the NDC’s development achievements and also negated the spiteful attempts by opponents of the NDC to belittle its achievements in the region.
“The two public universities in the region – University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) and Ho Technical University (HTU) were established by the NDC,” the former President maintained.
According to Mr Mahama, the lack of interest in the NPP in continuing the community day senior high schools which were started by the NDC was a wrong step and disaster to easy access to education in the communities.
Still on infrastructure, the former President mentioned the Ho Airport as a great feat in the region by the NDC which thwarted the false claims of the neglect of the region by the NDC.
He said that the NDC would never take the Volta Region for granted whether in power or in opposition because of the strong support it enjoyed from the area.
Mr Mahama said that the NDC’s front was formidable, adding that there were highly bright prospects for victory for the part in 2024.
On his part, the Agbogbomefia lauded Mr Mahama for his respect for the traditional authorities and the people of the Volta Region, saying that contributed largely to the strong bond between the NDC and the region.
He renewed his call on politicians to put the interest of the country before all other partisan considerations.
“That means you must all team up against corruption,” Togbe Afede added.
FROM ALBERTO MARIO NORETTI, HO-BANKOE
Firefighters from the Upper West Regional Command have responded to a vehicular incident involving a long vehicle carrying 35 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes) reportedly containing hydrogen peroxide at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
The five-member crew, led by ASTNO Balagee, reported to the scene where a fire and an explosion had reportedly occurred.
The firefighters assessed the scene, identified the chemical hazards and implemented appropriate response measures, bringing the situation under control.
The driver reportedly sustained severe chemical burns and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, spokesperson to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called on the government and Parliament to undertake major reforms in Ghana’s prison system, including the construction of a dedicated prison hospital and the introduction of regulated conjugal visits.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Dr Boakye-Danquah shared Chairman Wontumi’s observations and recommendations following his remand on July 20, 2026.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi’s experience in prison has given him the opportunity to interact with prison officers and inmates and observe the challenges facing the Ghana Prisons Service.
The statement noted that the NPP chairman believes the correctional system must move beyond punishment to focus on rehabilitation, welfare and productivity.
One of his major concerns is the lack of dedicated, well-equipped prison hospitals, ambulances and standby generators in several prison facilities.
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had raised concerns about the difficulties in providing medical care to seriously ill inmates, including those suffering from tuberculosis.
He is therefore calling for the construction of a modern prison hospital to serve facilities across the country. In the interim, he has proposed emergency arrangements with the 37 Military Hospital and the Police Hospital.
On the welfare of prison officers, Chairman Wontumi has urged the government to review their salaries, accommodation and conditions of service.
He has also called for proper classification of inmates, arguing that minor offenders should not be housed alongside armed robbery convicts and that persons facing trial for serious offences, including treason and terrorism, should be appropriately separated from other inmates.
The statement further highlighted concerns about the need for counselling and behavioural support for young inmates, particularly those serving sentences for defilement-related offences.
Chairman Wontumi has also called for a clear policy on the classification and management of LGBTQI+ inmates within the prison system.
On family relationships, he has proposed the creation of designated private areas where prisoners can receive visits from their spouses and children.
He believes regulated conjugal visits could help preserve marriages, reduce tension among inmates and support rehabilitation.
“The prisoner is the one in prison, not the children or spouse,” the statement noted, explaining his position on the need to protect family relationships during incarceration.
Chairman Wontumi has appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support prison farms with the necessary equipment to improve food production.
According to the statement, the Ghana Prisons Service has access to vast lands and skilled labour but faces a shortage of agricultural equipment, with only one tractor reportedly available for farming and garbage-related activities.
He has further proposed greater collaboration between prison authorities and the justice sector, suggesting that regional prison commanders should be included in relevant discussions because of their knowledge of prison conditions and inmate rehabilitation.
On infrastructure, Chairman Wontumi has called on the government and private sector to invest in modern prison facilities and factories, arguing that the system has seen limited structural improvements over the years.
Appeal to Parliament
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had made a special appeal to Parliament to lead efforts towards comprehensive prison reform.
He is urging the Speaker of Parliament to initiate discussions on prison conditions as a human rights and national development issue.
He has also called on the Majority and Minority caucuses to work together to pass a new Prison Reform Act and approve funding for a dedicated prison hospital, ambulance services, standby generators and agricultural equipment.
Additionally, he wants the Parliamentary Select Committees on Defence and Interior, Health, and Food and Agriculture to undertake working visits to prisons across the country to assess conditions firsthand.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi believes bipartisan cooperation between the Majority and Minority caucuses is necessary to secure the legal and financial reforms required to improve the prison system.
He has called for broader prison reforms across Africa, expressing hope that Ghana could lead the continent in improving correctional facilities.
Reflecting on his experience since July 20, Chairman Wontumi stated: “At this experience since July 20th till date, prison doesn’t reform as it should be. I pray that the entire Africa will learn from Ghana.”
The statement added that Chairman Wontumi remained in high spirits.
By: Jacob Aggrey
