President John Mahama has arrived in Wa for the eighth-leg of his ‘Accounting To The People Tour’.
He was met on arrival at the Wa Airstrip by the Regional Minister, a former Attorney General and Minister of Jusitice, Betty Mould Iddrisu, who is also an NDC Vice Chairperson, the Minister of State in charge of Public-Private Partnerships, Rasheed Pelpuo, Bede Zideng, a former regional Minister and aspiring MP for Wa Central, key party officials and scores of foot soldiers.
The atmosphere was charged amidst drumming and dancing as the Military Aircraft that airlifted the President touched the tarmac. The security men had a hectic time to control the teeming crowd that wanted to catch a glimpse at the President.
During a courtesy call on the Wa Naa at his Palace, President John Mahama explained that the objective of the tour is to see at first hand projects his government has undertaken since 2012, inaugurate completed ones and also to inform new policies and direction for the development of the country.
“This is the 8th region of the tour. Throughout we can say that there is indeed massive expansion in socio-economic infrastructure. From water and sanitation, roads, schools, hospitals and the list goes on and on,” Mahama said.
He paid tribute to late President John Evans Atta Mills and wished he was alive to see progress of some of the initiatives he started.
The President described the chiefs and people of the Waala Traditional area as peace loving and encouraged them to live together and help build their communities.
He also enumerated some key projects he would be inspecting during the three-day tour. These include the Wa town roads which have been awarded on contract. He said in addition 10 kilometres of asphalting contract has been awarded.
The 160-bed Wa Hospital expansion project include an MRI, six operation theatres, a new mortuary, an administration block, engineering services center and a new kitchen.
The President also announced that a new X-ray machine has been ordered for the existing hospital.
Mahama disclosed that commercial flights to and from Wa will resume by October this year, after the completion of work on the terminal building.
In response, the Wa Naa expressed deep appreciation to the government for the water project. The new water system for Walembelle will serve additional 200, 000 households. The Chief expressed deep appreciation for the commitment towards job creation for the youth in the area. He also commended the President for his commitment to helping build the chief’s palace.
Another project he passionately spoke about is the 160-bed Wa Hospital Expansion project. According to him, “The hospital is dear to our hearts. We are very grateful. We also commend you Mr. President for the huge investment in education in this area. We pray for God’s guidance.”
President Mahama will later today inspect ongoing projects at the Wa UDS campus. He will also inaugurate the Upper West regional Library after which his entourage will visit Wellembele where he will inaugurate the Wellembele Water system.
On Thursday, the President will begin the day with a breakfast meeting with religious leaders. He will also cut sod for the construction of the Wa Military Barracks and the Wa Basic School Complex. In the afternoon on Friday, he will inspect the new district Assembly complex, the progress of work on the Wa-Hamile road and the Wa Airstrip.

Source: Ghana/ Dan Acheampong