The Upper West Regional Minister, Mr. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, has called on communities to use annual festivals as a springboard for self-driven development initiatives, rather than relying solely on government interventions.
Speaking at the 14th edition of the Gandawii Naabahilme Festival in Sorbie, the minister emphasized that festivals should not only serve as cultural celebrations but also as platforms to mobilize resources for community-driven projects that address local developmental needs.
The festival, themed “Harnessing Our Cultural Heritage for Unity and Sustainable Development,” aligns with the government’s broader vision of integrating rural community needs into national development strategies.
Mr. Puozuing urged the people of the Sissala West District to actively participate in development efforts and commended them for conducting peaceful elections and electing their MP under the ticket of the governing NDC.
The minister reassured the community of the government’s commitment to improving education, highlighting the National Education Review Conference, which aims to review and implement policies that make quality education accessible and affordable to all Ghanaians.
He also raised concerns about the rising cases of Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM) and Cholera in the region. He disclosed that 135 suspected meningitis cases had been recorded, with 22 confirmed cases and 16 deaths. He urged health authorities to intensify surveillance and public education through community radio outreach.
Addressing concerns about the poor road network, Mr. Puozuing acknowledged that bad roads have deterred investors and pledged government intervention to improve infrastructure in the district.
Meanwhile, the Member of Parliament for Sissala West, Mr. Mohammed Adams Sukparu, assured his constituents of his commitment to collaborating with chiefs and youth groups to tackle road challenges. He also announced a GH¢10,000 bounty for information leading to the arrest of the killers of a student who was recently shot in the constituency.
The Paramount Chief of Pulima, Kuoro Osman Deiwia Nankpa III, commended President Mahama for keeping his campaign promise of appointing sixty ministers to run the government. However, he appealed for more appointments of natives from the region to accelerate local development.
He also highlighted the lack of telecommunication services in several communities, urging the MP to lobby the sector minister to extend telephony services to areas such as Sorbelle, Buoti, Kandia, and Kupulima.
The Paramount Chief of Gwollu, Kuoro Daniel Liman Bajor, who chaired the event, emphasized that festivals should not only preserve cultural heritage but also serve as platforms for unity and strategic planning for the future.
He commended the Pulima Traditional Area for organizing the festival, stressing that such gatherings are crucial in mobilizing community support for sustainable development initiatives.
