Tamale, Ghana – The Minority Leader and MP for Effutu, Osahene Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has expressed his absolute commitment to bold and targeted interventions that will hasten the development of northern Ghana.
He made the promise at the first edition of the Northern Development Conference, which aimed at discussing the region’s challenges to unlock its potential.
In his keynote address, Mr Afenyo-Markin highlighted the strategic significance of the north in the development of Ghana, describing it as “a region of untapped potential”.
He lauded the contribution of the north to the national food basket, saying it contributes about 40 per cent to the Ghanaian food basket, making it the breadbasket of the country.
To uplift this role, the minority leader demanded long-term investment in modern agriculture technology and infrastructure, especially in the animal industry.
He insisted the time has come to adopt intentional, transformational policies to turn farmers into billionaires and increase productivity generally.
He applauded the formation of the Northern Parliamentary Caucus by the Rt Hon Speaker of Parliament, Rt Hon Alban Bagbin, describing it as a strategic and pertinent move to give the region a unified voice on development matters in parliament.
With the good news also came a necessary confrontation with the old challenges that have held back the development of the region.
“We need to confront our realities. It is about rampant poverty, unsafe roads, poor sanitation, and a continuous shortage of power. “
Currently, to a paltry 49 per cent of households have access to electricity; for example, in the Upper West Region, he cited.
The lawmaker called for a stronger commitment from all stakeholders to address the challenges that come with the infrastructure deficit to stem the tide of mass north-south migration, which he said is being occasioned by a lack of opportunities and infrastructure.
He argued that tactical demolition of these barriers could transform the north into a powerful national anchor.
“As an absolute leader in Parliament, I would be driving through radical interventions in infrastructure, in education, in health care, economic empowerment, and peacebuilding. His Excellency has served our motherland with great distinction. We have to act urgently and in unison,” he said.
He went on to urge the young people to get involved in shaping the region’s development agenda. “The future of the north will be shaped by young people. Young people must rise, participate, innovate, and pave the way towards a region that no longer embodies poverty and squalor.
A range of stakeholders, including policymakers, development professionals, youth leaders, and members of civil society organisations, attended the event.
The event provided an opportunity for joint reflection on policy solutions and investment plans for transforming the northern part of the country into a vibrant centre of growth and prosperity.
Report By: Kennedy Edem Addy
