The government has outlined bold plans to transform the Upper East Region into a leading hub for agribusiness, trade, and industrialization, aiming to drive economic growth and bridge the development gap in Northern Ghana.
President John Dramani Mahama, addressing chiefs and residents in Bolgatanga during his nationwide “Thank You” tour following his 2024 electoral victory, emphasized the region’s strategic potential for agricultural and industrial advancement.
“The North has vast arable lands, favorable conditions for agriculture, and an emerging agribusiness ecosystem,” President Mahama stated. “By prioritizing targeted investment in irrigation, agro-processing, and rural infrastructure while ensuring accountability in the use of public funds, we will create sustainable economic opportunities that transform livelihoods and reverse decades of marginalization.”
To achieve this vision, the government will focus on:
- Irrigation and Water Supply: The Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam project will be rescaled and incorporated into the government’s Big Push Infrastructure Financing Programme to support agriculture, hydro and solar hybrid power, and flood control. The completion of the Tamne Irrigation Dam will also ensure year-round farming in the Garu and Tempane districts.
- Road Network Expansion: The government has prioritized the completion of stalled road projects, including the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom road, the resurfacing of the Tamale-Bolgatanga-Paga road, and the construction of the Bolgatanga-Wa road and Navrongo-Sandema-Fumbisi-Daboya road to enhance trade and market access.
- Electrification and Industrialization: Expanding electricity to rural areas will support agro-processing industries and job creation.
President Mahama criticized the trend of abandoning development projects due to political transitions, vowing to reverse this by ensuring accountability through Operation Recover All Loots. This initiative will prioritize completing unfinished infrastructure to maximize their intended benefits.
Recognizing the Upper East Region’s role in Ghana’s food security and economic transformation, the president assured residents that his administration would fast-track funding and implementation of these projects.
“The north has the potential to become Ghana’s agro-industrial powerhouse and a major food security hub for the West African sub-region,” he affirmed.
