The President of the Republic of Ghana has warmly welcomed the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Biikunuto Jewu Soale I, and his delegation to Jubilee House in a historic visit that underscores the enduring relationship between traditional authority and national leadership.
Describing the Overlord’s visit as a symbol of unity and cultural harmony, the President praised his exceptional leadership, humility, and efforts toward peace, particularly highlighting his outreach to fellow traditional rulers including the King of Dagbon.
As a proud native of Gonja land, the President noted that this visit holds deep personal significance and reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to the development of the Savannah Region.
He outlined a comprehensive set of development priorities aimed at transforming the region:
1. Water Security
Damongo Water Supply Project: Immediate completion and expansion to serve Damongo, Larabanga, Canteen, and Busunu.
2. Health Infrastructure
Savannah Regional Hospital: Construction of a new, well-equipped referral hospital in Damongo.
Health Services Support: Improved ambulance systems, medical equipment, and accommodation for health workers.
3. Road and Transport Development
Key Projects Include:
Upgrading the Busunu–Daboya–Mankarigu Road.
Improving feeder roads in Central and North Gonja e.g., Yape–Chama–Binjai–Salaga
Constructing bridges over the White Volta, including Daboya–Tamale, Yape, and Buipe bridges.
40 km of roads per district over four years (10 km annually).
Rehabilitation of Bole–Chache Road and roads within Bole town.
4. Education
Basic Schools: Rehabilitation and new classroom block construction.
Digital Tools: Deployment in underserved communities.
Savannah Regional University College: Upgrading the agricultural school into a university focusing on agriculture, climate resilience, and governance.
5. Agriculture and Agro-Industry
Farmer Support: Establishment of mechanization centers, input subsidies, and irrigation projects along the White and Black Volta rivers.
Agro-Processing Hubs: To be set up in Buipe, Damongo, Salaga, and Bamboi.
Target Crops: Investment in shea, cashew, rice, soya, and maize for export and job creation.
6. Inland Port and Logistics
Buipe Inland Port: Operationalization to serve as a trade gateway to the Sahel, lowering transport costs and boosting cross-border trade.
7. Youth Development and Sports
Savannah Regional Stadium: Land acquisition is underway for a stadium to promote sports and youth empowerment.
8. Employment
Youth Jobs Initiative: Region-specific programme linked to the national 24-hour economy strategy, focused on skills training and job creation.
The President concluded by urging all stakeholders to join hands in building a brighter future for the Savannah Region — one that respects tradition while embracing opportunity and progress.
Post a Comment