President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his commitment to addressing the infrastructure deficit in northern Ghana, describing peace and reliable public infrastructure as the two key drivers of private investment and sustainable job creation for the region’s youth.
He made the remarks on Monday, October 19, when a delegation of chiefs from the Dagbon Traditional Area, led by the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II, paid him a courtesy call.
The President assured the delegation of his administration’s commitment to promoting dialogue, maintaining stability and accelerating development across the northern part of the country.
“Our fundamental responsibility as a government is to foster a safe, peaceful, and enabling environment—encouraging dialogue at every turn and ensuring that every single community feels protected and valued,” he said.
The visit was to express the gratitude of the chiefs and people of Dagbon to the President and the state for their support during the illness, funeral rites, and burial of the late Overlord, Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, as well as the peaceful enskinment of the Regent.
Reaffirming the government’s respect for traditional authority, President Mahama assured the delegation that his administration would respect the autonomy of traditional institutions and refrain from interfering in chieftaincy affairs.
“The peace of Dagbon is priceless, and we must safeguard it deliberately through our words, policies, and shared respect for one another. The government holds the customs, sacred traditions, and institutions of Dagbon in the highest esteem. It will always provide the dignity, space, and institutional support you require to lead your people,” he stated.
He also paid tribute to the late Ya-Na Abukari Mahama II, recalling his contribution to peace and reconciliation in Dagbon and describing him as a trusted friend and a visionary leader who restored harmony across the kingdom.
He encouraged Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II to build on his late father’s legacy by embracing wisdom, consultation and inclusiveness in his leadership.
“Your noble father was a bridge-builder of remarkable vision. You have pledged not only to preserve the bridges he painstakingly built, but to construct new ones during your stewardship. Government stands shoulder-to-shoulder with you on this journey,” he said.
On infrastructure development, President Mahama announced plans to improve water supply in parts of northern Ghana through an expansion project financed by the European Union.
The project will extend piped water networks to Tamale, Yendi and Damongo, while the Dalong waterworks is expected to receive new heavy-duty pumps that will be fully operational in November to improve water supply in Tamale.
The interventions are intended to address persistent water shortages, ease the cost of living and doing business, and create better conditions for agro-industrial development in the region.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Kampakuya Naa Yakubu II pledged to uphold his late father’s legacy of tolerance and progress.
He also expressed the kingdom’s readiness to work with the central government to expand opportunities for young entrepreneurs, preserve peace in local communities, and promote economic development across Dagbon.