The inaugural Northern Ghana Development Conference took place in Tamale on Monday, under the theme: ‘A Conference of Northern People, Leaders, and Partners.’ Organised by the Parliament of Ghana with support from various development partners, the conference aimed to lobby President John Dramani Mahama and his ministers for fair resource allocation to drive development in northern Ghana.
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Uniting for a Shared Vision – Northern Ghana Development Conference
Majority Leader and MP for Bawku Central, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, highlighted that the conference was designed to transcend political divisions and unite stakeholders behind a common goal for northern development. He emphasised the importance of leveraging experiences, networks, and influence to guide regional ministers, MMDCEs, chiefs, and the private sector toward economic transformation.
Mr. Ayariga noted that the conference would also focus on lobbying for strategic projects and strengthening collaboration with development partners and international investors. It aimed to serve as a platform for monitoring government services in critical sectors, including education, healthcare, water, electricity, and infrastructure.
Reflecting on Northern Ghana’s Aspirations
Mr. Ayariga described the conference as an essential moment to reflect on the region’s progress, challenges, and aspirations. He pointed out that the region’s ambitions were outlined as far back as President Kwame Nkrumah’s 1963 Seven-Year Development Plan.
“Elections are over. Our people expect us to use our influence across both major political parties to fight poverty and create economic opportunities,” he stressed, while calling for support from traditional rulers and unity among political leaders.
Shared Responsibility for Northern Development
Minority Leader, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing that the development of northern Ghana is a collective responsibility. He urged traditional leaders to promote peace, support education, and ensure that development projects meet the region’s actual needs.
“As Minority Leader, I join the Northern Caucus in advocating for bold interventions in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and peacebuilding,” he said. He also pledged parliamentary support for equitable budget allocations to complete significant projects such as the Eastern Corridor road and to expand rural electrification and access to clean water.
Focus on Education
Mr. Afenyo-Markin placed significant emphasis on education, calling for improvements in facilities, the deployment of more teachers, and the establishment of more vocational and tertiary institutions to provide the youth with practical skills.
Traditional Leaders’ Support
The Paramount Chief of Nanton Traditional Area, Naa Yab Nanton Naa Mahamadu V, pledged the support of traditional rulers for the conference’s objectives. He underscored the importance of peace in achieving meaningful development. He reassured the gathering of chiefs of his commitment to this goal.
The conference was attended by Members of Parliament from northern Ghana, traditional rulers, development partners, youth and women groups, students, and members of the public, all united by the shared goal of accelerating the development of northern Ghana.
