Mr. Dominic Bingab Aduna Nitiwul, Member of Parliament for Bimbilla Constituency and former Minister for Defence, is calling for a deliberate and transformative shift in the development of Northern Ghana. He envisions a Northern Ghana that transcends its current association with poverty and underdevelopment, aiming instead to become a region renowned for its resilience, innovation, peace, and boundless opportunities.
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A Vision for Change – Mr Dominic Nitiwul
Speaking at the First Northern Ghana Development Conference in Tamale, organised under the theme “A Conference of Northern People, Leaders, and Partners”, Mr. Nitiwul emphasised the urgent need to address the stark development divide between the northern and southern parts of the country. He argued that bridging this gap requires bold, targeted policy interventions and sustained investment in human capital. “It is time to build a Northern Ghana that is not only known for poverty and neglect but a place that symbolises hope, resilience, innovation, and peace—a place that even southerners would desire to settle,” he asserted.
Courageous Leadership for Long-Term Change
Mr. Nitiwul stressed that changing the narrative of Northern Ghana demands visionary leadership. Such leadership, he believes, should be focused on policies that reduce inequality and foster equal opportunities for all citizens. “This transformation will not happen overnight. We need long-term vision and courageous leadership to ensure that all Ghanaians have the chance to thrive, regardless of their geographical location.”
Education as the Key to National Transformation
A key element of Mr. Nitiwul’s vision for Northern Ghana is education. He emphasised that no nation can develop without investing in education, calling it the most potent tool for national transformation. He expressed deep concern over the region’s educational disparities, noting that these gaps continue to limit the potential of the northern youth. “The north is still far behind in terms of access to quality education, and we see the outcomes. This must change,” he said, highlighting education as a priority for unlocking Northern Ghana’s potential.
Investing in Skills for Employment
In addition to formal education, Mr. Nitiwul called for a significant increase in investments in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He believes that equipping young people with employable, practical skills is critical for closing the gap between Northern Ghana and the rest of the country. “The youth of Northern Ghana need employable skills. If we are to catch up with the south, we must prioritise TVET and upgrade the region’s educational infrastructure,” he added. This, he argued, will ensure that the region’s youth are equipped for the demands of today’s job market.
A Unified Approach to National Development
Mr. Nitiwul’s comments come at a pivotal moment, as the Northern Caucus in Parliament and other development stakeholders are exploring solutions to the region’s pressing challenges in education, employment, and infrastructure. His call for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to national development echoes the growing desire for a nation where no region, including Northern Ghana, is left behind in the pursuit of progress.
By investing in the right areas and providing leadership with a long-term vision, Mr. Nitiwul believes that Northern Ghana can achieve the transformation needed to become a model of innovation, peace, and resilience for the entire country.
