The National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer John Mahama on Monday began a four-day tour of the Bono Region.

Accompanied by NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Campaign Manager Professor Joshua Alabi, former Chief of Staff Julius Debrah and Special Aide Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the former President made his first stop at Nchira in the Wenchi constituency, where he interacted with farmers and chiefs.

In his remarks, Mr. Mahama explained his plans to modernize agriculture through improved services to be provided by mechanization centres in various districts. According to him, the centres will be established in all farming zones to help increase yield and income levels of farmers.

The NDC 2020 Presidential Candidate also pledged to prioritize the completion of all abandoned projects, particularly in the road, education and health sectors.

President Mahama noted that the stoppage of work on various projects by President Nana Akufo-Addo has not only caused financial loss to the state but also, worsened the plight of contractors and the beneficiary communities who have been cruelly affected by these stoppages.

He therefore pledged not to repeat Nana Akufo-Addo’s mistake of abandonment of state assets and will continue any development initiative he inherits from the current administration.

NDC General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketia spoke about the plan to roll out a National Apprenticeship Programme, explaining that the initiative will target some 500,000 youth who will benefit from skills training and receive start-up packs to start their own businesses.

He also noted that the John Mahama administration will set up agro processing factories to add value to crops for export to boost revenue generation. The agri business sector, he added, will open up job opportunities in the value chain.

President Mahama will visit Subinso, Wenchi, Badu, Nsawkaw and Brohani on Monday, where he will among others interact with cashew farmers.