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The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has urged politicians and public officials to rise above partisanship and prioritise policies and projects to close the developmental gap between the North and the rest of the country.
“We must deliver on promises with urgency and integrity, ensuring that resources meant for the North are fully utilised for their intended purpose,” he said.
He was speaking at the maiden Northern development conference in Tamale last Monday on the theme: “A conference of northern people, leaders and partners.”
It brought together chiefs, Ministers, Regional Ministers, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives, Directors, Chief Executives, Director-Generals of public institutions, as well as Members of Parliament from the five northern regions, namely the Upper East, Upper West, Northern, North East and Savannah regions.
The Minority Leader said the North was ready for transformation, but it required strong partnerships, local empowerment and shared accountability.
He, therefore, called on the country’s development partners and investors for their continued collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, health, education and entrepreneurship.
“Let us rise and build the Northern Ghana of our dreams, united in purpose, rich in diversity and strong in partnership. In doing so, we will also be building a better Ghana for all,” he stated.He stressed the need to deal with the persistent challenges that had historically held the region back, before a path toward meaningful development in northern Ghana could be charted.
He cited the problems of poverty, education and infrastructure deficit, such as poor road networks, limited access to electricity, inadequate water supply, and poor sanitation, that continue to hinder economic activity and social well-being as some of the challenges.
Other problems, he said, were insecurity, which had become an urgent concern, with chieftaincy disputes, ethnic conflicts and the threat of extremist violence disrupting lives and livelihoods.
Mr Afenyo-Markin stressed the need to resolve lingering conflicts through dialogue and justice, strengthen border security and foster trust in public institutions by ensuring transparency and accountability.
“The North’s rise is not just a regional necessity; it is a national imperative that promises prosperity, stability and unity for all of Ghana,” he said.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, said the Northern MPs had chosen to unite in a bipartisan way to embark on the mission of supporting the development of the north.
He said the five regions had 57 Members of Parliament (MPs): one independent MP representing Wulensi Constituency, who had chosen to do business with the NDC, while 10 of the MPs were in Parliament on the ticket of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). Forty-six MPs, he added, are in Parliament on the ticket of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
