John Mahama outlines US$10bn New Economy Policy for Western North

President John Mahama has unveiled a five-year, US$10 billion "New Economy Policy" during a consultative meeting with the Western North Regional House of Chiefs at Jubilee House. The initiative is designed to stimulate industrial growth and provide sustainable employment through targeted investments in nine strategic sectors, including agriculture, agribusiness, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and tourism. By creating these economic alternatives, the President aims to address the root causes of illegal mining, or galamsey, which continues to threaten the nation’s natural resources.

Central to the policy for the Western North Region is a plan to establish 100,000 hectares of oil palm plantations and significantly expand rubber production. President Mahama urged traditional authorities to partner with the government by investing in these plantations to boost the local economy and provide youth with viable careers outside of the mining sector. Additional regional development projects were also highlighted, including the construction of the Western North Regional Hospital, road improvements, and new sports facilities to enhance the quality of life for residents.

Addressing the environmental crisis, the President announced an allocation of GH₵400 million in the 2027 Budget specifically for the recruitment and deployment of Blue Water Guards. These guards will be tasked with protecting water bodies from the devastating effects of illegal mining. While noting that the government has successfully cleared illegal miners from nine forest reserves with military assistance, Mahama acknowledged the challenges faced by the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS), such as community resistance and violent confrontations during enforcement operations.

Traditional leaders, led by Ogyeahoho Gyebi II, expressed their support for the government’s initiatives and pledged to help mitigate tensions between security forces and local communities. President Mahama emphasized that law enforcement alone cannot solve the galamsey problem if students and young people are driven to the pits by financial hardship. The government plans to continue collaborating with the Forestry Commission and military to reclaim degraded lands and replant destroyed forests with economic trees, ensuring long-term environmental and economic restoration.