As part of his ongoing tour of the Upper West Region, former President John Dramani Mahama, flag bearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), pledged to tackle the region’s infrastructure challenges, particularly in education and healthcare, while also addressing the welfare of teachers and nurses. Speaking to large gatherings in Wechau, Goripie, Daffiama, Charia, and Kpongu, Mahama highlighted the critical need for improved working conditions for teachers and healthcare professionals, alongside significant upgrades to road infrastructure.
Mahama emphasized that his next government would take a holistic approach to addressing the needs of education and healthcare sectors, starting with the construction of teachers’ and nurses’ bungalows in every new school and healthcare facility. He stressed that these essential housing units would not only provide comfortable accommodation for professionals but also create a conducive working environment. “No school will be built in my government without a dedicated teachers’ bungalow, and the same applies to nurses in healthcare facilities,” Mahama assured.
These bungalows, he added, would be equipped with reliable water supply systems and proper sanitation facilities to ensure that teachers and nurses can perform their duties effectively without the burden of basic infrastructure deficiencies. By providing these accommodations, Mahama believes his government will not only improve job satisfaction but also attract and retain skilled professionals in rural and underserved communities across the country, especially in regions like Upper West.
Mahama’s plans for teachers and nurses go beyond just housing. He also promised to establish a loan scheme that would allow teachers and healthcare professionals to acquire cars on credit, with gradual deductions made from their monthly salaries. This initiative, Mahama explained, is intended to make transportation easier for these essential workers, particularly in remote areas where access to public transport can be challenging. “Our teachers and nurses deserve support, and providing them with the means to acquire cars will ease their mobility and improve their overall welfare,” he said.
In addition to his focus on the education and healthcare sectors, Mahama addressed the region’s longstanding road infrastructure issues. He assured the people of Upper West that his administration would prioritize road development, particularly the Wa to Dorimon and Wa to Tumu routes, which have suffered from neglect. He noted that these roads are crucial for connecting communities and fostering economic growth in the region.
Perhaps the most significant promise Mahama made during this leg of his tour was his commitment to fix the Wa to Bole, Bamboi, and Techiman road, a major transport route linking the region to the southern parts of the country. Mahama emphasized that repairing this road would be one of his top priorities in the early days of his administration, should he win the upcoming election. “This road is critical for the people of Upper West. It will facilitate trade, enhance transportation, and improve the general living conditions of the people. I will ensure it is fixed within the shortest possible time,” Mahama pledged.
With his promises of better infrastructure and support for key public sector workers, Mahama’s campaign continues to resonate with the people of Upper West. His focus on practical, people-centered solutions—whether through housing, improved roads, or support for essential workers—reflects a deep understanding of the region’s challenges and a commitment to addressing them head-on.
Filed by: Saani Abacha