On July 25, 2025, during his ‘Thank You’ tour in the Oti Region, President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to establishing a public university in the region before his tenure ends.
Speaking at the Dambai College of Education, he described the university as a future “centre of excellence” to drive regional innovation and economic transformation, fulfilling his campaign promise to provide a public university for each of Ghana’s six newly created regions, including Oti, established in 2018.
Mahama noted that the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission and the Ministry of Education are already conducting feasibility studies to determine the university’s model and location.
He also highlighted broader economic progress, citing the 2025 Mid-Year Budget Review by Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, which reported a public debt reduction from 61.8% to 43.8% of GDP, inflation dropping from 23.8% to 13.7% by June 2025, a B- credit rating upgrade, and a 40% appreciation of the Ghana Cedi.
The President outlined a comprehensive development plan for Oti, emphasizing its role as a transit hub:
Infrastructure: Completion of the Nkwanta–Kpassa–Oti Damanko section of the Eastern Corridor Road is prioritized, with projects like the Dambai Bridge, Okadjakrom–Kwamikrom Road, and Hohoe–Jasikan Road in procurement. The Oti River Bridge’s engineering designs are nearing completion.
Healthcare: Plans are underway with the Ghana Health Service and partners to build a regional hospital to provide specialist and emergency care, addressing Oti’s lack of such a facility.
Water and Sanitation: To tackle typhoid fever, the Damanko/Kpassa water system, serving 13 communities and 65,407 people, will be reconstructed for GH₵37.1 million within 18 months. Water quality issues in Bonakye are also being addressed.
Agriculture: The Irrigation for Wealth Programme is developing 7,200 hectares of irrigated land in Biakoye and Krachi East to boost youth engagement in agriculture.
Civic Infrastructure: Completion of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council’s administration block and a residence for the Regional Minister are prioritized.
Mahama’s commitments aim to enhance education, infrastructure, and economic opportunities in the Oti Region, aligning with his administration’s focus on equitable development.
