By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Fijai
President Nana Akufo-Addo has stated that about 80 percent of promises in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) manifesto prior to the last general elections have been achieved.
“I have not betrayed you in the Western Region, in governance and development of the country; health, education and roads have seen major boosts,” he said.
The President was speaking to people of the Western Region as part of his ‘Thank You’ tour at Fijai near Takoradi.
He said: “I have come to say ‘thank you 2016 to 2020’, you elevated me to President status. I am left with about two months to vacate my seat as the out-going President. Thank you all for the support and peaceful environment that has enabled me to govern the country.
“Under the educational system, there have been massive improvements in terms of enrolment. Every year, 100,000 plus of JHS graduates couldn’t further their education because some parents hands were tight. It was through this challenge that Free SHS education was introduced,” he explained.
In 2017, he said, 80,000 of children were enrolled on the Free SHS policy. Currently, 5.7 million have benefitted from 2017 to 2023.
“We have widened access and improved upon education, especially with the introduction of STEM. We are preparing the country for the 21st century,” he added.
The President pointed out that guarantors for student loans have been cancelled: “All you need now is the Ghana Card and you are good to go”.
He also asserted that 758 kilometres of new roads have been completed in the Western Region.
On Agenda 111 projects, he mentioned that the health facility at Bokro in Ahanta West district is almost complete while the one at Mpohor is about 70% complete. Work on the Effia Nkwanta Teaching hospital is about 50% complete.
President Akufo-Addo admitted that although some of the promises he made have not been fulfilled, he prayed the Takoradi Interchange and famous Takoradi Market Circle will be completed before he hands over power.
He explained that: “We have not been able to do all that we promised, but God willing if Bawumia – the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate – should come to power in 2025 he will continue.
“We are not going back to failed-President; Bawumia can rule the nation. I have not seen any fault with Bawumia. I can attest to his faithfulness to the state and he is now prepared, to be President of Ghana come 2025,” he said.
Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, Western Regional Minister, said the President has done very well; especially with the Free SH policy which has increased enrolment in schools.
Tetrete Akuamoah Sekyim II, Omanhene of Wassa Amenfi Traditional Area, praised the President for numerous interventions in the region.
