President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to inclusive development, balanced regional growth and dignified housing for all Ghanaians with the launch of the Oxygen City housing project in the Volta Region.

Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony, the president stressed that the gathering was not merely to commence another housing project, but to affirm a deliberate national vision anchored in fairness, equity and people-centered development. He recalled his 2024 campaign promise to ensure that every region received its fair share of national development, emphasising that the Volta Region was firmly positioned within that vision.

According to President Mahama, housing remains one of the clearest indicators of a nation’s progress. He noted that access to safe and decent housing should not be seen as a privilege for a few, but as a fundamental requirement for human dignity, economic productivity, social stability and national cohesion. It is for this reason, he explained, that housing occupies a central place in his government’s Reset Agenda.

Under the Reset Agenda, the president said government is rethinking how cities and towns are planned and developed, moving away from uncoordinated urban sprawl and speculative land use toward well-planned, fully serviced and economically integrated communities. These communities, he explained, are designed to meet present needs while anticipating future opportunities.

President Mahama described Oxygen City as a practical expression of this new development approach, demonstrating what can be achieved when state institutions collaborate effectively with traditional authorities and private sector actors. Through such partnerships, he said, land can be responsibly unlocked, comprehensive planning enforced and sustainable communities created to support housing, commerce, transport, social services and environmental protection.

He highlighted the significance of the project’s location in Ho, noting that the expansion of TDC Ghana Limited beyond the original thermal acquisition area was a conscious policy choice aimed at decentralising development. He emphasised that growth must not remain concentrated in a few enclaves but must be regional, equitable and purposeful.

Addressing Ghana’s housing deficit, President Mahama acknowledged that the challenge weighed heavily on working families, young professionals and public sector workers. He stressed that housing delivery must go hand-in-hand with essential infrastructure such as roads, water, sanitation, transport systems, schools, healthcare facilities and economic opportunities. Projects like Oxygen City, he said, directly respond to this challenge by promoting integrated urban development where people can live, work and access services within the same geographic space.

The president noted that the Volta Region was uniquely positioned to benefit from such integrated development, given its role as an administrative center, a growing educational hub, a major tourism destination and an emerging investment corridor with improving connectivity. He said Oxygen City would serve as a catalyst to expand housing supply, attract domestic and foreign investment, generate employment and strengthen the Volta Corridor’s contribution to the national economy.

Reiterating his commitment to people-centered development, President Mahama stated that every national project must translate into tangible benefits for local communities, create jobs for the youth, open opportunities for entrepreneurs and improve the quality of life for Ghanaian families. He added that development must be inclusive, environmentally responsible and aligned with both local and national planning frameworks.

President Mahama commended the board, management and staff of TDC Ghana Limited for their vision and initiative, as well as 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 acquired the 1,860-acre land for the project, located near the airport on land belonging to Adakla-Agbokope.

He explained that the project’s name, Oxygen City, reflected the beauty, freshness of the air and cleanliness of the Volta Region, which he described as one of the cleanest regions in Ghana. He announced that the Ministry of Local Government would soon introduce awards for the cleanest regions and districts, expressing confidence that the Volta Region would consistently rank highly. 

Outlining the scope of the project, President Mahama said Oxygen City would comprise multi-storey two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments, complete with paved streets, street lighting, proper drainage and sewage systems, as well as reliable water and electricity supply. He added that the project includes a Public-Private Partnership component, with portions of the land allocated to private investors to develop a four-star hotel and a world-class hospital, noting that discussions were already underway to attract investors for the healthcare facility.

President Mahama concluded by expressing optimism that Oxygen City would become a model for sustainable urban development in Ghana and a symbol of his administration’s commitment to equitable national transformation.