President John Dramani Mahama and Vice President Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang have joined Ghanaians and the international community in celebrating mothers on the occasion of Mother’s Day, paying glowing tribute to women for their sacrifices, resilience and vital contributions to national development.

In separate Mother’s Day messages shared on Facebook on May 10, the two leaders praised mothers for their unwavering dedication to families, communities and the nation.

President Mahama described the celebration as an important moment to recognise the enduring love, commitment and sacrifices of mothers across the country. He expressed appreciation to mothers nationwide and paid special tribute to his wife, Lordina Mahama, whom he described as the pillar of strength in their family.

“Today is another opportunity for us to celebrate our mothers. Thank you to you all,” the President stated.

He further added: “To you, Lordina, the kids and grandkids just want to thank you for being the heart and strength of our family. Happy Mother’s Day.”

Mother’s Day is observed annually in May to honour mothers and maternal figures for their nurturing role and lasting impact on society.

Vice President Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also used the occasion to commend mothers for what she described as their immense sacrifices, strength and unconditional love. According to her, women continue to serve as the backbone of families, communities and economies.

“Today, we recognise the strength, sacrifice, wisdom, and unconditional love of mothers across Ghana and around the world,” she stated in her message.

The Vice President reaffirmed government’s commitment to improving the welfare of women and mothers through policies and interventions aimed at promoting empowerment, dignity and economic opportunity.

She highlighted initiatives including the proposed 24-hour economy market programme and the Women’s Development Bank as part of broader efforts to expand opportunities for women across the country.

Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also pointed to investments in skills training, apprenticeship programmes, access to finance and the nationwide distribution of free sanitary pads for schoolgirls as measures intended to support women and young girls.

She further acknowledged the role played by grandmothers, guardians and other women who provide maternal care and guidance in society.

“Your love and service do not go unnoticed,” she noted, while extending Mother’s Day wishes and prayers for strength and blessings for mothers.

The messages from the President and Vice President formed part of nationwide Mother’s Day celebrations, with many Ghanaians using social media platforms and community events to honour mothers and caregivers for their immense contributions to society.

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a new affordable housing scheme aimed at enabling public sector workers to own homes through long-term payment plans in Ghana cedis.

The initiative, which is being implemented in partnership with Organised Labour, financial institutions and the private sector, is expected to benefit nurses, teachers, doctors, civil servants and other public workers.

According to President Mahama, the scheme will allow beneficiaries to acquire government-built low-cost houses and pay for them over a period of up to 20 years, unlike the dollar-indexed mortgage arrangements currently offered by many real estate developers in Ghana.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Dedesua Green City Project in the Bosomtwe District of the Ashanti Region on Saturday, May 9, 2026, the President disclosed that the programme would be backed by a GH¢3 billion Revolving Fund.

He explained that the fund would be established through a partnership involving the government, Organised Labour, the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), and Republic Bank Ghana.

Under the arrangement, housing agencies such as the State Housing Company (SHC) and Tema Development Company (TDC) will receive financial support from the fund to construct affordable housing units, while banks provide mortgage facilities for workers to purchase the homes.

President Mahama stressed that the houses would be priced in Ghana cedis rather than dollars, a move he said would protect homeowners from fluctuations in the exchange rate and rising mortgage costs.

He further announced that the government was rolling out district-level social housing initiatives to ensure equitable access to affordable housing across the country.

“Housing must not be limited to only the major cities. Regional and district capitals must also benefit from our housing initiatives,” he stated.

Dedesua Green City Project

The Dedesua Green City Project is being developed on a 200-acre parcel of land donated by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

The project is expected to deliver more than 1,000 housing units.

President Mahama appealed to Ghanaians living abroad to invest in the project, assuring them that the land was free from litigation and ownership disputes.

He also revealed that the Asantehene had agreed to release an additional parcel of land to the Tema Development Company for another housing project in Kumasi.

Government to Provide Infrastructure

The President disclosed that the government would absorb the cost of roads, drains and gutters within the Dedesua estate under the Big Push infrastructure programme.

He noted that the intervention would help reduce the overall cost of the houses for prospective buyers.

Ghana’s Housing Deficit

Touching on the country’s housing challenges, President Mahama said Ghana currently faces a housing deficit of more than 1.5 million units.

He attributed the situation to rapid urbanisation, high construction costs and limited access to long-term mortgage financing.

According to him, more than half of Ghana’s population currently lives in urban areas, with projections indicating that the figure could rise to nearly 70 per cent by 2050.

Concerns Over Rent Advance

On the issue of rent advance, President Mahama expressed concern over the weak enforcement of laws that restrict landlords from demanding more than six months’ advance rent.

He observed that both landlords and tenants often fail to report violations of the law.

The President expressed optimism that the first phase of the Dedesua Green City Project would be completed within a year.

In a major boost to local transport and youth employment, Lawyer Eric Adjei facilitated the acquisition of an initial fleet of 10 motorbikes (Pragya) for the youth of the Jaman North Constituency. Recognizing that these motorbikes serve as the major source of transportation for the area, this initiative aims to streamline transit while providing a sustainable career path for young residents. The official presentation was held yesterday, where Lawyer Adjei was joined by the District Chief Executive (DCE), Honorable George Adane, to hand over the keys and mark the beginning of this transformative project.

To ensure the program’s longevity and reach as many people as possible, these 10 motorbikes are being distributed on a work-and-pay basis. This strategic approach ensures that the project is self-sustaining through a revolving fund; as the first group of beneficiaries makes regular payments, the accumulated funds will be used to purchase additional motorbikes for others. This model encourages financial discipline and responsibility, allowing the youth to eventually own their vehicles outright through their own hard work and consistent commitment to the scheme.

During the presentation yesterday, the leaders offered stern but encouraging advice, urging the youth to handle the motorbikes with care and maintain them as valuable business assets. A strong emphasis was placed on safety and professional conduct, with a clear call for all riders to respect the police and strictly adhere to road regulations. By fostering a culture of discipline and mutual respect between the riders and law enforcement, the initiative seeks to ensure that the transport sector remains safe, orderly, and respected by all residents of the constituency.

The people of Jaman North expressed profound gratitude for the initiative, noting that such practical interventions are exactly what the constituency needs to thrive. By reinvesting the returns from the initial fleet, the project creates a “rolling” cycle of employment destined to benefit dozens of families over time. Beneficiaries and community members alike praised Lawyer Adjei’s vision to turn this pilot of 10 motorbikes into a constituency-wide movement of entrepreneurship, ensuring that the transport sector remains a robust engine for community-led progress and financial independence.