President Mahama outlines $10BN jobs agenda, major development projects for Western North

President John Dramani Mahama has outlined a five-year, US$10 billion New Economy Policy aimed at creating jobs, expanding local industries and strengthening agriculture, while announcing key infrastructure projects for the Western North Region.

Receiving a delegation of chiefs from the region at the Jubilee House, President Mahama said the policy would target nine strategic sectors, including textiles and garments, agriculture, pharmaceuticals and tourism, with investments expected to create employment and provide alternative livelihoods for young people.

He announced plans to establish 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations and expand rubber production, identifying Western North as one of the regions targeted for increased rubber cultivation. He encouraged traditional authorities to participate by investing in plantations and supporting youth employment.

President Mahama also highlighted the Ghana Cocoa Board Act, 2026, which guarantees cocoa farmers at least 70 per cent of the world market price. He said the government was paying farmers 71.18 per cent.

On infrastructure, the President said construction of the Western North Regional Hospital would begin following the handover of the project site to the contractor.

He also outlined plans to improve roads under the Big Push and feeder roads programmes and provide the region with a stadium and an airstrip to support emergency medical evacuations.

President Mahama further called on traditional authorities to collaborate with government in tackling illegal mining, protecting forests and water bodies, and improving sanitation.

He said the creation of sustainable jobs and alternative livelihoods was critical to discouraging young people from engaging in illegal mining.

The President thanked the chiefs for their support and reaffirmed government’s commitment to working with traditional authorities to accelerate development in the Western North Region.

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