Accra: The Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) has held its first Council Meeting, with a call for stronger collaboration among key stakeholders to drive the development agenda of the region.
According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting, held in Ho on Thursday, July 3, 2025, brought together all Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs), Presiding Members, Coordinating Directors, Heads of Departments, and other regional stakeholders. In his sessional address, Volta Regional Minister James Gunu emphasized the urgent need to strengthen peace and security, stimulate economic growth, modernize agriculture, enhance infrastructure, and improve social services across the region.
Mr. Gunu expressed concern over rising incidents of violent crime and declining professionalism within some security services. He cited disturbing statistics from January to May 2025, which included: Murder: 17, Robbery: 17, Defilement: 43, Rape: 14, Assault: 137, Stealing: 181. Despite logistical constraints, security agencies continue to work hard to ensure public safety. He urged stakeholders involved in chieftaincy and land disputes to seek legal redress through the courts or the Regional House of Chiefs to safeguard peace in the region.
Touching on the economy, the Minister noted that recent economic challenges had affected government transfers to MMDAs. However, he was optimistic about recovery, noting that first-quarter District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) allocations for 2025 had been disbursed. He encouraged MMDCEs and Coordinating Directors to strictly adhere to fund utilization guidelines and to increase Internally Generated Funds (IGFs) to complement central government efforts.
Mr. Gunu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing the 24-Hour Economy policy, highlighting its potential to boost productivity and employment. He announced that VRCC, in collaboration with Malaysian partners, was facilitating the establishment of a canal industry under the Accelerated Export Development Programme. He added that agriculture would play a central role in this policy, with initiatives such as the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda, establishment of Farmer Service Centres, creation of Farm Banks, and development of modern farming infrastructure aimed at positioning Volta Region as a leading maize producer in Ghana.
Strategic partnerships with organizations such as KOICA, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), and others are already in motion to modernize farming systems. Plans are underway for a modern vegetable farming complex at Adaklu to empower the youth and women. The Minister announced that government had secured support from the Republic of Japan to finance the Volivo Bridge over the Volta Lake. Road infrastructure projects underway include: Ho-Aflao Road, Atimpoku-Ho-Aflao Road (177 km, awarded for construction), Dualization of Ho main road to Sokode (10.5 km), Ho Bypass near UHAS (5.2 km), Upgrading of internal UHAS roads (5.3 km), Selected roads in Hohoe, Ketu North, Ketu South and Akatsi Township (totaling over 30 km).
The Minister also addressed disaster management efforts, including interventions in response to tidal waves along the coast. He announced that Phase II of the Blekusu Sea Defence Project had been awarded to Amandi Holdings Ltd., which was mobilizing at Azizadzi. Through support from EXIM Bank Ghana, 50 tents were being provided to temporarily shelter affected residents, while plans for permanent resettlement housing were being pursued. He urged assemblies to implement their disaster preparedness plans and remove illegal structures in waterways to avert flooding.
Access to clean drinking water remains a challenge, particularly in Ho. The Minister highlighted the ‘Water for All’ project, which is drilling mechanized boreholes in collaboration with the National Security Secretariat, Ghana Medical Association, sand-winning contractors, and other partners. He urged the public to support this initiative and called for compliance with the reintroduced National Sanitation Day, observed every first Saturday of each month.
Mr. Gunu underscored the importance of education and reiterated the NDC government’s plan to reset the educational system. He emphasized the expansion of infrastructure, teacher development, promotion of ICT, and efforts to reduce teenage pregnancy. He noted that 565 caterers under the Ghana School Feeding Programme are currently serving 606,173 pupils across the region.
Mr. Augustus Awity, Chief Director of the VRCC, emphasized the need for discipline among public servants. He lamented poor time management across assemblies and institutions, stating that indiscipline hinders national progress. ‘Discipline is the key to unlocking the benefits of the 24-hour economy,’ he said, urging timely execution of duties and professional conduct.
Mr. Jerry Yao Ameko, DCE for Adaklu and Dean of MDCEs, presented a development strategy aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His presentation covered: Economic Development: Industrialization, support for MSMEs, tourism, and cassava value addition. Social Development: Inclusive education, solar energy use, and infrastructure for the vulnerable. Environment and Infrastructure: Afforestation, land planning, and water system expansion. Governance and Accountability: Revenue mobilization, stakeholder engagement, and anti-corruption. Emergency Planning: COVID-19 response, disaster preparedness, and NADMO capacity building.
The presentation emphasized a unified framework across all districts to ensure inclusive and sustainable growth in the region. The Minister thanked all stakeholders for their support during the National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving and urged continuous collaboration to realize President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for a prosperous Volta Region. ‘Together, we can build a brighter future,’ Hon. Gunu declared.