President John Mahama has announced that the Ministry of Local Government will soon introduce awards to recognise the cleanest regions and districts across Ghana.

He expressed confidence that the Volta Region would consistently rank among the top performers under the proposed scheme, citing its natural beauty and cleanliness.

President Mahama made the remarks at the sod-cutting ceremony for the Oxygen City affordable housing project in Ho. He explained that the project’s name reflects the region’s fresh air, scenic appeal and high sanitation standards, describing the Volta Region as one of the cleanest in the country.

The president commended the board, management and staff of TDC Ghana Limited for their vision and initiative, and praised the Ministry of Works, Housing and Water Resources, led by Kenneth Adjei, for providing the policy direction and institutional support that made the project possible.

He disclosed that the ministry had acquired the 1,860-acre parcel of land for the project, located near the airport on land belonging to Adakla-Agbokope.

President Mahama stressed that housing remains one of the clearest indicators of national progress, noting that access to safe and decent accommodation should not be regarded as a privilege for a few. Rather, he said, it is a fundamental requirement for human dignity, economic productivity, social stability and national cohesion — a key reason housing features prominently in his government’s Reset Agenda.

Outlining the scope of the development, he said Oxygen City will feature multi-storey two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, supported by paved roads, street lighting, proper drainage and sewage systems, as well as reliable water and electricity supply.

He added that the project included a Public-Private Partnership component, with sections of the land earmarked for private investors to develop a four-star hotel and a world-class hospital, noting that discussions are already underway to attract investors for the healthcare facility.