John Mahama secures funding for water systems in Tamale and Yendi

President John Mahama has assured the Dagbon Kingdom of its fair share of national development, promising that the region will not be left behind in the distribution of infrastructure and resources. Speaking at the Jubilee House in Accra during a courtesy call by the Regent of Dagbon, Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu II, the President emphasized his commitment to sectors including roads, education, healthcare, and agriculture. The visit was the Regent’s first to the Presidency since the passing of his father, Ya-Na Mahama Abukari II, in July 2025.

A central highlight of the meeting was the announcement that funding has been secured for major water systems in Tamale, Damongo, and Yendi. President Mahama revealed that Minister of Finance Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson recently finalized negotiations with the European Union in Bangkok to support these projects. In the interim, the government has already funded the replacement of old pumps at existing waterworks. These upgrades are expected to be fully operational by November, providing an immediate improvement to Tamale's water supply even before the larger EU-funded project commences.

The President also used the occasion to urge the Regent to protect the prevailing peace in Dagbon, describing it as a "precious" asset for the region's growth. He reflected on the legacy of the late Ya-Na, whom he called a "bridge-builder," and encouraged the Regent to adopt a leadership style rooted in wisdom, consultation, and fairness. "The peace of Dagbon is precious, and we must protect it through our words, our decisions, and our treatment of one another," Mahama stated, while calling on the youth of the kingdom to resolve differences through dialogue rather than conflict.

Kampakuya-Naa Yakubu II expressed his gratitude to the President for the government’s support during his father’s illness and subsequent funeral rites. He pledged his dedication to maintaining the peace framework established by the late Overlord and expressed readiness to work closely with the administration. The meeting was attended by senior government officials, including Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and Deputy Roads Minister Alhassan Suhuyini, along with members of the Northern Region House of Chiefs and Parliamentarians from the Dagbon area.