The Overlord of Dagbon, Yaa Naa Abukari II, has called on President John Mahama to prioritise development in the Northern Region while ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

Speaking during President Mahama’s thank-you tour on Saturday, 22 March, Yaa Naa commended him on his electoral victory and urged him to remain committed to good governance.

Welcoming the President to his palace, Yaa Naa expressed appreciation for the appointment of individuals from the region to key government positions, pledging his support to ensure they serve diligently.

However, he stressed the need for an administration free from corruption and arrogance, cautioning against any misconduct among government officials.

Development priorities for the Northern Region

The Dagbon ruler highlighted key challenges facing the region, including inadequate access to potable water, poor healthcare infrastructure, and the need for agricultural reforms. He emphasised the importance of completing the Yendi and Tamale water projects to address persistent water shortages.

On agriculture, he urged the government to rehabilitate irrigation dams such as the Bontanga Dam and invest in new projects to support farming communities struggling with erratic rainfall patterns.

Touching on healthcare, Yaa Naa Abukari II lamented the poor state of medical facilities and the absence of modern diagnostic equipment at the Tamale Teaching Hospital, calling for immediate interventions to improve healthcare delivery.

He also appealed for the swift completion of the third phase of the Tamale International Airport and proposed renaming it "Gbewaa International Airport" to honour the cultural heritage of the region.

Education and economic development

In the area of education, he urged the government to complete the ongoing e-block school projects to expand access to secondary education.

Additionally, he called for the revival of the Sheini iron ore project, noting that its successful implementation would create much-needed employment for the youth.

He also proposed the establishment of a regulatory body for the shea butter industry to boost production and enhance its competitiveness on the global market.

Call for responsible leadership

Yaa Naa Abukari II commended President Mahama for his swift policy actions and expressed optimism that his administration would address the concerns of the Northern Region.

He wished him wisdom and divine guidance in his leadership, urging him to work towards improving the lives of all Ghanaians.