President Mahama Drives Economic Revitalisation Through Industrial Hubs, Infrastructure Expansion, and Procurement Reform

President John Dramani Mahama has launched a multi-sectoral development agenda focused on industrialization, regional stability, and infrastructure modernization. Central to this effort is the inauguration of a steering committee to manage the GH""1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund. Chaired by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the fund is designed to restore Bawku as a commercial hub following a period of conflict. During the ceremony, President Mahama emphasized that improving security and investing in essential infrastructure are critical steps toward ensuring long-term prosperity and social services in the region.

In the aviation sector, the President broke ground for a massive expansion at Accra International Airport (AIA), featuring a seven-storey complex with a 2,030-bay car park and two hotels (a 120-room five-star and a 250-room three-star facility). This project aims to accommodate passenger traffic that has surged to 2.5 million in 2025. Complementing this physical expansion, the President announced that aircraft spare parts imported by domestic airlines will be exempt from customs duties under the new Ghana Customs Act to enhance safety and lower maintenance costs. He also endorsed a strict crackdown on unprofessional behavior at the airport, which saw the dismissal of workers for soliciting tips from visitors, asserting that such practices tarnish Ghana's international image.

Parallel to infrastructure growth, President Mahama is championing a ""Ghana-first"" industrial strategy. He recently opened the Northshore Apparel Hub in Savelugu, which is projected to create 30,000 jobs, primarily for young women, in an effort to curb north-south migration. To support such domestic industries, the government is amending the Public Procurement Act to mandate that state institutions prioritize locally manufactured goods, such as uniforms and protective gear, from licensed Ghanaian producers. Furthermore, a proposed net-metering bill will soon allow businesses with solar installations, like the Northshore hub, to sell surplus electricity back to the national grid, creating a more sustainable energy framework.

In a move to ensure fiscal discipline and resource availability for new businesses, President Mahama has pledged full support to the Ghana Export-Import Bank (GEXIM) in recovering funds from loan defaulters. Speaking at the Northshore commissioning, he expressed concern over politically connected individuals who take loans without the intention of repayment, emphasizing that these funds are vital for financing viable projects that drive national growth. This comprehensive approach across peacebuilding, energy, and industry signals the administration's commitment to balanced national development and economic self-reliance.