info@businessghana.com
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed optimism that Bawku will bounce back from the effects of the protracted conflict, following relative calm in the area for the past several months.
He said the return of calm provided an opportunity for the people of Bawku to begin rebuilding their lives and reviving economic activities that had been disrupted by the conflict.
“As the guns have stopped sounding in Bawku, we have an opportunity to begin the process of rebuilding and revitalising the area. Bawku will bounce back,” he said.
President Mahama made the remarks at Bolgatanga last Friday when he interacted with the people of the Upper East Region as part of his tour of the region.
The President reiterated that a committee would be set up for the disbursement of the GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund to support the recovery and development of the area following the restoration of relative calm.
He said the fund would be used to address key development needs in Bawku, with the majority of the money expected to be channelled into health and road infrastructure, while creating a conducive environment for economic activities to thrive.
President Mahama said with peace returning, Bawku had the opportunity to regain its vibrancy and resume the activities for which it was known.
He said the cessation of gunfire should provide the people with the confidence to return to their businesses, livelihoods and other productive activities.
President Mahama said the restoration of peace was critical to the development of Bawku, since sustained calm would enable residents to concentrate on rebuilding their livelihoods and contributing to the local economy.
He, therefore, encouraged the people to protect the peace and work towards ensuring that the guns remained silent.
The President expressed confidence that with peace prevailing and the necessary support provided for revitalisation, Bawku would be able to recover from the disruptions caused by the conflict and move forward.
President Mahama pledged to increase investment in agriculture, mining, education and health care in the five northern regions as part of efforts to bridge the development gap between northern and southern Ghana.
He said the government would focus on the comparative advantages of the northern regions, particularly agriculture and mining, and invest in processing facilities, roads, irrigation, extension services and farmer service centres to create jobs and reduce poverty.
On mining, he said the government was working through the Minerals Commission to identify potential areas for formalised mining, particularly gold mining, to create employment while ensuring environmental protection.
He said formal mining companies would be required to post reclamation bonds to ensure that mined areas were restored, while the government continued its fight against illegal mining.
President Mahama said increased investment in the economy of the north was necessary to stem the migration of people to the south and reduce pressure on social services.
President Mahama also described indiscipline in schools as a growing national concern, attributing part of the problem to children’s exposure to social media, artificial intelligence and other digital platforms.
He assured faith-based organisations that the government was open to giving them a greater role in managing schools they had established.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, said Bawku remained the region’s most significant security concern, although the area had remained relatively peaceful, with reconciliation and social integration gradually taking place.
He said the process was progressing at a measured pace and expressed confidence that, with time and continued support from President Mahama, particularly through the Bawku Revitalisation Fund, the efforts would gain further momentum.
Mr Atanga said the Regional Coordinating Council remained committed to supporting the peace process and working closely with the security agencies, traditional authorities and other relevant stakeholders to consolidate the gains made and secure lasting and sustainable peace in Bawku.
He also said the incidence of armed robbery and motorbike snatching, which had previously been rampant in the area, had declined significantly, largely due to the support of key stakeholders and the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team.
The Upper East Regional Minister said the region would continue to strengthen community engagement, early-warning mechanisms and collaboration among traditional authorities, communities and security agencies to consolidate peace, enhance public safety and rid the region of criminal activities.
Donatus Akamugri Atanga, said Bawku remained the region’s most significant security concern, although the area had remained relatively peaceful, with reconciliation and social integration gradually taking place.
He said the process was progressing at a measured pace and expressed confidence that, with time and continued support from President Mahama, particularly through the Bawku Revitalisation Fund, the efforts would gain further momentum.
Mr Atanga said the Regional Coordinating Council remained committed to supporting the peace process and working closely with the security agencies, traditional authorities and other relevant stakeholders to consolidate the gains made and secure lasting and sustainable peace in Bawku.
He also said the incidence of armed robbery and motorbike snatching, which had previously been rampant in the area, had declined significantly, largely due to the support of key stakeholders and the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team.
The Upper East Regional Minister said the region would continue to strengthen community engagement, early-warning mechanisms and collaboration among traditional authorities, communities and security agencies to consolidate peace, enhance public safety and rid the region of criminal activities.
