Volta Regional Minister James Gunu has asserted the Volta region would be a development hub if there was a strong government and traditional authority collaboration.

He spoke at the General Meeting of the Volta Regional House of Chiefs in Ho on Friday, July 18, 2025.

Addressing eminent chiefs, local government officials, party leaders, and other dignitaries, the minister described the Regional House of Chiefs as the “true custodians of our culture, values, and history,” whose support remained indispensable to the progress of the region.

“We are here to pledge our loyalty and readiness to work together. This is not a mere formality — it is a sincere commitment,” the minister assured.

“We believe that the new structure under President Mahama’s administration, the amalgamation of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, offers a stronger framework for local governance and traditional leadership to thrive side by side.”

He outlined his three key point agenda for the growth of the region:

- Peace and Security aimed at positioning Volta region as the most attractive destination for investors.

- Empowering Municipal and District Assemblies to deliver on economic development and job creation.

- Strong and Sustained Collaboration with Municipal and District Chief Executives to champion local development via national policies to realise President Mahama’s vision for the Volta Region.

He emphasised that the region’s transformation could not succeed without the active participation of traditional authorities, whose influence extended into every community.

The minister highlighted key projects underway across the region:

- Eastern Corridor Road, to improve regional and national connectivity.

- Aflao Market Complex, to stimulate border trade and integration.

- Blekusu Tidal Wave Project – Phase 2, to protect coastal towns.

Gunu noted that Volta region will soon see full operation of the Kenaf industry, through partnership with Malaysia, creating thousands of green jobs and expanding agro-processing potential.

He highlighted the government’s 24-hour Economy Policy, under which the region will benefit from new agro-processing facilities, public sector service extensions, and energy support for SMEs and industrial parks. As part of this, the 2025 Volta Trade and Investment Fair is set to be the first in Ghana to operate round-the-clock on selected days.

“We have already secured land in Adaklu for the industrial park, and we look forward to receiving more land from traditional areas for similar development,” he added.

Tourism and Heritage Development

Gunu reaffirmed government’s commitment to boosting tourism by upgrading heritage sites across the region.

He said the aim was to attract investment, create jobs, and promote Volta’s rich cultural identity.

The regional minister made a passionate appeal for peace and cohesion to the chiefs, cautioning that the alarming number of unresolved chieftaincy disputes in the region hindered development and so must be addressed to allow free flow of development.

“Our peace and unity are under threat. These disputes, often prolonged in courtrooms, drain communal trust and delay progress,” he stated.

“We respectfully urge the Judicial Committee of the House to fast-track resolutions, and we offer government’s support through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.”

A Call for Unity and Purpose

Mr James Gunu reaffirmed the nation's theme for 2025, “Stability, Growth and Prosperity for All,” which he said could only be realised through a united front between traditional leadership and state governance.

“With collaboration, with unity, and with a deep respect for both modern governance and cultural leadership, we can secure lasting prosperity for our people,” he said.