Chief of Staff to President John Dramani Mahama, Dr. Julius Debrah has stressed the need for a greater national recognition of the Savannah Region, saying the region’s contribution to Ghana’s development goes far beyond its rich cultural festivals.

Speaking at this year’s Damba Festival at the palace of His Royal Majesty Jira Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I in Damongo, Dr. Debrah said the Savannah Region had produced farmers, traders, scholars, ministers, a Vice President and a President, making it a significant contributor to the country’s development.

He said the region therefore deserved to feature prominently on Ghana’s national development agenda and not only attract attention during major traditional festivals.

“This Kingdom has given the country farmers, traders, scholars, ministers, a Vice President and a President. That is not a small gift,” Dr. Debrah stated.

“It means the Savannah Region cannot appear in the national calendar only when there is a festival,” he added.

The Chief of Staff highlighted a number of major educational and skills development projects being pursued by the government, describing them as part of efforts to expand opportunities for young people in the region.

He announced that government was constructing the College of Education at Bole to provide teacher training opportunities for young people within the region.

He further disclosed plans for the establishment of a University of Science and Technology for the Savannah Region which, he said, would provide opportunities for higher education and support the development of science, technology and innovation.

According to him, government is also investing in specialised education and technical training infrastructure across the region.

He mentioned the construction of a STEM school at Tinga, a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centre at Kulmasa as well as a girls’ STEM school at Busunu.

The Busunu girls’ STEM school, he said, would be named the Mma Nneba STEM School in honour of President Mahama’s late mother.

Dr. Debrah also disclosed that President Mahama had directed him to engage the relevant government agencies to support the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund, an initiative associated with the Yagbonwura.

He described the fund as evidence of the traditional authority’s commitment to improving education and supporting young people in the area.

“Your Majesty, the President has asked me to get the relevant agencies to support the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund,” he said.

“That Fund is your own proof that the Skin cares about the classroom.”

The Chief of Staff emphasised that the government’s investments in education and skills development reflected its commitment to creating sustainable opportunities for the youth while strengthening the human capital base of the Savannah Region.

His remarks formed part of activities marking the annual Damba Festival which brought together traditional leaders, government officials, politicians, residents and visitors to celebrate the cultural heritage of the Gonja people.

Sorce: Classfm