The Amenfi Central District on Friday celebrated its hardworking farmers with a colourful Farmers’ Day event, honouring their resilience and the vital role they play in sustaining Ghana’s food systems. This year’s edition also came with firm assurances from government officials, who outlined plans to improve infrastructure and boost agricultural productivity across the district.

Local authorities praised the gallant farmers of Amenfi Central and the entire country, noting that their daily sacrifice and commitment form the backbone of Ghana’s development.

Speaking at the event, the Member of Parliament for Amenfi Central announced that she had presented a comprehensive list of development needs to the President. These include communities without electricity, internet connectivity, schools, hospitals and CHPS compounds. She added that the President had assured full support for these interventions.

She explained that access to electricity and digital connectivity remains essential for improving education, healthcare and agro-based economic activities. The MP also highlighted major road projects currently underway.

Key road projects include:

Bordie to Asankragua Road, 50 km, which is progressing steadily and set to become the first fully tarred stretch in the history of Amenfi Central

Asankragua to Bekwai Road, 53 km, also under active construction.

She noted that these improvements will ease transportation challenges, reduce post harvest losses and open up market access for food producers. The MP added that she has identified several community challenges, such as the need for boreholes and potable water systems, and is working with the relevant ministries on solutions.

Touching on national efforts, she stated that the NDC government has shown strong commitment within eight months to transforming the country, particularly through targeted agricultural and infrastructure projects. She encouraged farmers to take part in ongoing government programmes, especially those linked to the agricultural value chain.

District Chief Executive Hon. Peter Amponsah also urged all farmers to register for the government’s Akuko Nkitin Nkiti initiative, aimed at expanding poultry production and empowering households. He noted that the MP had already facilitated NGO support for fish farming, with plans to expand the programme to more communities.

The DCE acknowledged the challenge of poor roads for farmers and announced completed and ongoing interventions.

Road updates include:

Salaga–Kafaba Road — completed

Kitoe Nkwanta–Kitoe Road — completed

Nguan Mallam–Kupi Road — ongoing

He stressed that these works are meant to improve transportation and reduce post harvest losses by ensuring farmers can move produce to market centers easily.

Addressing concerns from residents of Kwuani about the delayed community center, the MP assured that processes have been initiated for construction to begin soon. She expressed confidence that the project will be delivered to serve the community as intended.

The celebration concluded with awards for outstanding farmers across various categories. Anthony Boaky Saka from Amuni Sakakrom was named Amenfi Central District Overall Best Farmer for his innovation, productivity and adoption of modern agricultural practices.

District leaders closed the ceremony with a call for continuous support for farmers, emphasizing that their work remains essential to national development, food security and economic stability. The event ended on a clear message; a renewed commitment to empowering farmers, expanding infrastructure and ensuring inclusive growth for all communities in Amenfi Central.

President John Dramani Mahama has presented 40 operational vehicles to the Ghana Police Service, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protect citizens and strengthen national security.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at the Police Headquarters in Accra, the President said the procurement reflects the government’s pledge to retool and modernise all security agencies so officers are fully equipped for frontline duties.

“By handing over these 40 advanced armoured vehicles, we are renewing our covenant with the people of Ghana. This nation will protect its citizens; peace will be defended; and Ghana will remain secure, stable and just,” President Mahama stated.

The event was attended by the Minister of the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, senior officers of the Police Service, and representatives of other security agencies.

Details of the Fleet

The new fleet includes 15 armoured pickups, five Cobra-4 vehicles, and 20 Cobra-3 special armoured units designed for high-risk environments, rough terrain and rapid response operations. The vehicles, the President noted, are “operational tools, not symbols”.

Issuing a strong warning to criminal networks, President Mahama said Ghana would not cede any street or public space to lawbreakers. He added that the state and its security services stand ready to respond decisively to anyone who threatens public safety.

Ensuring Officer Safety

The President emphasised that officer safety remains a central priority. He linked past fatalities to inadequate equipment and pledged that such situations would not be repeated.

“Too often, we have lost men in the line of duty because we send them on missions without the appropriate equipment. That is going to be a thing of the past,” he said, assuring officers that government will supply the tools they need to return safely to their families.

He revealed that the 40 vehicles form only the first batch of new resources, with two tow trucks, 10 covert Corvette operational vehicles and a pickup for every police district expected soon. Plans are also underway to train a dedicated police detachment to operate drones for surveillance and intelligence gathering.

While prioritising operational strength, President Mahama stressed that accountability and public trust must be upheld. “The police must not only be feared by wrongdoers, but citizens must also trust the police,” he said, highlighting ongoing reforms in training, recruitment, supervision and respect for human rights.

He urged officers to handle the vehicles responsibly. “These equipment are expensive and hard to procure. Use them professionally, lawfully and ethically,” he said, commending the bravery and sacrifice of personnel nationwide.

IGP Commits to Stronger Operations

Receiving the vehicles, the Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, expressed gratitude for the government’s support, describing the vehicles as essential tools that will significantly strengthen the Service’s ability to protect the public.

He said the fleet will enable the Police Service to rise above emerging threats, improve officer safety and enhance operational efficiency.

The IGP cited recent successes, including the arrest of suspects who impersonated police officers. “Our response was decisive and effective, and all these suspects are currently before the court,” he said.

Mr Yohuno also announced a new phase of aggressive operations. “With these vehicles, we are going to launch very bold, robust and targeted operations throughout the country. We will dismantle any existing criminal networks,” he pledged.

Work on the Ofankor-Nsawam dualisation project, a key stretch of the Accra-Kumasi Highway, has reached 77 percent completion. The 33.4 kilometre segment of National Road Six has been reassigned under the government’s Big Push infrastructure programme.

President John Dramani Mahama inspected ongoing works yesterday, accompanied by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, and senior officials of the ministry. The visit comes three months after his September tour, when public complaints over delays and heavy traffic disruptions were at their peak.

Officials noted that progress had stalled earlier due to outstanding arrears owed to the contractor, Maripoma Enterprise Limited. Government has since cleared all pre 2025 payments, allowing work to resume at full pace.

This year, GH¢14 billion was allocated to the Big Push programme, with an additional GH¢30 billion expected next year to keep major projects running.

President Satisfied After 90 Day Follow Up Visit

The President explained that he returned exactly 90 days after his earlier visit, in line with his promise to reassess the situation.

He recalled that contractors had faced setbacks, including delays in demolitions and long standing non payment for completed work. After directing the Roads and Highways and Finance ministries to address the issue, 70 million dollars was released to the contractor.

The President expressed satisfaction with the improved pace of work and urged the contractor to maintain the momentum. Although the official completion date is July next year, he believes the project could be finished as early as April if current progress continues.

Government Affirms Commitment to Road Expansion

President Mahama reiterated that despite several new road projects underway across the country, government remains committed to completing the Ofankor-Nsawam dualisation. He confirmed that plans for the Accra-Kumasi Expressway would advance alongside the expansion of the N6 corridor.

The proposed expressway is considered the flagship of the Big Push programme. It will be Ghana’s first modern six lane bi directional Class A expressway, covering 198.7 kilometres. When completed, it is expected to shorten travel distance by over 50 kilometres, cut transport costs by nearly 40 percent, and generate more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs.

It will include eight major interchanges in Accra, Adeiso, Asamankese, Akyem Oda, Ofoase, Lake Bosomtwe, and Kumasi, designed to ease congestion and enhance regional connectivity. Three large bridges over the Birim and Pra Rivers are also planned. In addition, the Adawso-Ekye Amanfrom Bridge will open the Afram Plains to large scale commercial farming.

The President stressed the importance of the N6 corridor for daily commuters and freight transport. He called for efficient site management to limit disruptions and appealed to road users and residents for patience as construction continues.

Long Standing National Priority Nears Completion

The Ofankor-Nsawam dualisation has been on the national agenda for years. The stretch was previously upgraded between 2004 and 2006 with support from a Chinese interest free loan. The current phase began in July 2022 with an initial completion target of July 2024 but was delayed by funding constraints.

Minister Agbodza confirmed that all arrears have now been settled and assured the public that the ministry will enforce the revised schedule.

Once completed, the project is expected to ease congestion, reduce travel time, boost socio economic activity, and strengthen Ghana’s position as a key trade route in the region.