By Murtala Issah
The inaugural Northern Ghana Development Conference, organized by the Northern Caucus, commenced today in Tamale, bringing together key stakeholders, policymakers, development experts, and community leaders to chart a national agenda for the region’s progress.
The conference aims to address the numerous developmental challenges facing Northern Ghana, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to quality education and healthcare, poverty, and unemployment. It serves as a platform to harness innovative ideas, foster partnerships, and mobilize resources dedicated to transforming the region.
In his opening remarks, the Majority Leader of Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the development of Northern Ghana.
Ayariga emphasized that addressing regional disparities requires concerted efforts from all sectors and urged participants to collaborate actively during the conference to develop practical solutions.
“We must mobilise ourselves as Northern leaders across party lines, mobilise our chiefs across ethnic lines, mobilise the private sector across the country and in the diaspora, mobilise the intelligentsia across the diaspora and our various universities, and seek the help of development partners to apply ourselves to the path of radical transformation of the North. This, in essence, is the path of the Northern Caucus, and we must not fail our people,” he stressed.
The conference is expected to generate actionable recommendations aimed at accelerating infrastructural development, improving social services, and fostering economic growth. Organizers expressed optimism that the gathering will mark a turning point in the region’s development trajectory.
As the event continues, discussions are slated to cover topics such as agricultural modernization, industrialization, education reform, and health infrastructure—critical areas for the region’s advancement.
The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, assured the people of the region of his support for his colleague Members of Parliament from Northern Ghana to mobilise resources for the development of the area. He urged the youth of the region to embrace the efforts to ensure holistic development.
“I believe the North is ready for transformation, but it requires strong partnership, local empowerment, and shared accountability. Let this conference mark the beginning of a united, sustained effort to create lasting progress for Northern Ghana,” he emphasised.
The Northern Ghana Development Conference represents a significant step toward the region’s growth. Participants are hopeful that the insights and commitments made during this gathering will translate into tangible progress for Northern Ghana in the coming years.
