As part of moves to extend development to Dagbon, the Akufo-Addo government will be constructing a railway line that will connect Accra to Burkina Faso through the Volta and Oti regions as well as Yendi, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said.

This, the president said, will ensure that the government’s plans of exploiting iron ore at Sheini, a community near Yendi, is realised to bring the needed development to the people of Dagbon following the restoration of peace to that part of the country.

Speaking at the coronation ceremony of Ya Na Abubakari Mahama II in Yendi in the Northern Region on Friday, 25 January 2019, Mr Akufo-Addo said: “Let us unite behind the new Ya Na Abubakari Mahama II. He is a man of experience and dignity, and I'm confident he'll discharge the duties of his new office with distinction.

“Let us give him all the support he requires, as he set about to administer the affairs of the state of Dagbon.

“Ya Na, I know you're a man of peace and unity, I know from a few decisions you've taken since your selection as Ya Na, you're a man of reconciliation. I believe you're the man to reconcile Dagbon and blot the age-old rivalry of Abudus versus Andanis and put Dagbon back on the path to sustained growth, progress and prosperity.

“Already, there are signs of good things coming to Dagbon. Just last week, the Cabinet approved a $30 million water supply project that will replace the old dilapidated water system in Yendi and its catchment area.

“The agreement of the project is now going to be submitted to parliament for scrutiny and approval before it can begin.

“My government is working to put in place the infrastructure that will allow us to exploit the ore deposits in Sheini. On the back of that exploitation, we shall put a railway line from Accra through the Volta Region and the new Oti Region and through Yendi to Burkina Faso.”