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The presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated his commitment to resurrect the Atuabo Free Port Project when the NDC gains power.
The $ 700 million free port project was to be built by Lonhro Port Limited and operational in 2017 to serve as a regional hub in promoting safe, effective and efficient offshore business.
But some parliamentarians from the then opposition New Patriotic Party (PNP) took the Mahama government to court to stop the project.
Addressing Nkroful chiefs and people in the Elembele constituency on Wednesday, as part of his five-day campaign tour of the western region, Mahama said the Atuabo free port project, which his government planned to Western and Eastern Nzema, was to help create jobs for young people and allow Ghana to reap the maximum benefits from its oil find.
“We plan to build a free port in Atuabo. Unfortunately, there was a misunderstanding; our brothers from other political divisions took the project to court, paralyzed it until we left office and have completely discarded the idea since they took power, “said former President Mahama.
However, I was hopeful that the NDC will win this year’s general election and make the project a top priority to create decent and sustainable jobs for the people.
Mahama said that one of the key areas the next NDC government will focus on will be job creation, adding that this will address unemployment and hardships Ghanaians face.
He said his commitment to implementing Free Technical and Vocational Education and Training (T-VET), as well as the state-sponsored National Apprenticeship Program to equip youth with employment skills, is unwavering.
Mahama also said to legalize and regulate the okada business so that okada passengers can conduct their business legally and safely.
He said that to ensure universal access to health care and eliminate costs as a barrier to health care, it will implement a policy of free primary care that will provide free access to health care in all district hospitals, polyclinics, health centers. and CHPS complexes.
Mahama said the policy will ensure that the remaining 60 percent of Ghanaians who are not covered by the National Health Insurance Plan because cost is a barrier under the plan will have free access to medical care.
On mining, he noted that the next NDC government will streamline the mining industry to allow youth to participate in responsible community mining under the direction of a Gold Board. This, he noted, will also help create jobs for youth.
Speaking about the recent Election Commission vote, the NDC presidential candidate explained that the second position on the ballot is a sign of victory for the NDC in the upcoming general election.
Therefore, Mr. Mahama has urged the electorates to seek the number 2 spot on the ballot and vote for the NDC to help create prosperity for all Ghanaians.
