Ghana’s President says his country needs to expand its growth poles to create more development and job opportunities for migrants.

“I told the people of the Western Region, during my three-day visit, that Ghana cannot develop thoroughly having only one growth pole, the Accra-Tema business district,” John Mahama wrote on his facebook wall.

He said the cocoa, gold and oil producing West African country needs more growth poles in Ashanti, Eastern, Volta and Western regions.

“This way, when people wish to migrate, they could head towards this region to seek opportunities,” Mr Mahama told the traditional leaders of the Western region.

He promised his government will continue the main projects in the region which include the expansion of the Takoradi port, construction of the Takoradi-Kumasi road and the Dunkwa-Awaso railway line.

“Moreover, the goal of our government for the Western Region is to build there an alumina industry. Because we sell a tonne of raw bauxite [at] $40, while the market value of alumina is almost 10 times higher,” Mr Mahama bemoaned.

He stressed the need for the country to “restructure and diversify our economy, otherwise we will continue to be affected by any fall in cocoa or gold prices,” adding that: “Building a modern economy, adding value to our products, means new jobs for our youth, a stronger country and a good future for our children.”