BEREKUM WEST DISTRICT — President John Dramani Mahama has toured the site of the 80-kilometre Jinijini–Sampa Road project in the Berekum West District, using the visit to reassure residents that the long-delayed highway will be fully asphalted by the end of 2027.

The inspection was part of Mahama’s ongoing “Resetting Ghana Tour,” a nationwide initiative through which the president has been making direct appearances in communities to monitor infrastructure projects and take stock of citizen concerns.

Flanked by traditional rulers, including chiefs and queen mothers, as well as community leaders and local residents, the president walked the project site and listened to firsthand accounts of how the road’s deteriorating condition has affected daily life and commerce in the area. He thanked residents for their reception and used the occasion to restate his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

Mahama struck an optimistic note on the economy, pointing to what he described as early signs of stabilisation among them a decline in inflation and a strengthening of the cedi against major foreign currencies. He argued that restoring investor confidence and attracting fresh foreign direct investment would be crucial to sustaining that momentum.

Beyond the road itself, the president outlined a slate of flagship programmes his administration is pursuing, including the Big Push economic agenda, the Mahama Cares social initiative, Nkoko Nkitinkiti, and a 24-hour market programme designed to extend trading hours and boost local commerce. He referenced a recent sod-cutting ceremony for a 24-hour market in the region as a tangible sign of that agenda taking shape.

President Mahama closed by urging residents to attend an upcoming stakeholder engagement in Sunyani, saying that public input remained central to how his government intends to design and deliver policy.

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President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that the nation’s economy remains strong and resilient, despite ongoing global tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the 24-hour economy module market in Dormaa Ahenkro, the President emphasized that the government is actively working to shield Ghana’s economic gains from external shocks.

“We have worked diligently over the past year to stabilize our economy, and the results are clear — our economy is strengthened and resilient,” President Mahama said. “No matter what shocks may occur globally, Ghana stands firm. We have seen how conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war have impacted other countries, and we are determined to ensure that Ghana does not suffer similar setbacks.”

He added, “The economic progress we have achieved in this administration must be preserved. Even in the face of global disruptions, we are positioning Ghana on a firm growth trajectory. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war challenged economies worldwide, but Ghana continues to show resilience.”

President Mahama also highlighted the government’s initiatives to boost domestic economic activity, including the establishment of the 24-hour economy module market in Dormaa Ahenkro, which aims to stimulate trade, create jobs, and enhance local business opportunities.

“Through strategic planning and consistent effort, we are ensuring that no global event can derail Ghana’s economic stability,” the President said.

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a strong warning to landlords who flout rent regulations, calling on tenants to report any demands for rent advances that exceed the legal limit.

Speaking at a high-level engagement with Organised Labour at Jubilee House on Tuesday, March 17, the President highlighted the growing housing crisis and its severe impact on household incomes across the country.

He stressed that the rising cost of accommodation is placing unsustainable pressure on citizens, underscoring the urgent need for a coordinated national response. According to him, Ghana must initiate a comprehensive housing dialogue involving government, the private sector, and labour unions to develop a robust social housing framework.

“Housing is a major problem, and for households, it is consuming their income,” he stated, advocating for affordable solutions through structured mortgage systems and fair rental arrangements.

President Mahama pointed to the country’s housing deficit as a key driver behind the increasing trend of landlords demanding excessive rent advances—often far beyond what the law permits. He noted that while existing regulations cap rent advances at six months, enforcement remains weak, partly due to reluctance from both tenants and landlords to seek redress through the rent court.

“The reason private house owners are taking advantage is because of the housing deficit,” he explained, adding that legal mechanisms are already in place but underutilized.

The President urged tenants to take a firm stand against unlawful practices by reporting offending landlords to the appropriate authorities, including the rent court, assuring that strict action would be taken against violators.

His remarks come at a time of heightened public concern over widespread reports of landlords demanding up to two years’ rent in advance—a practice widely condemned as both illegal and exploitative, further deepening the country’s housing affordability crisis.