President John Dramani Mahama has expressed confidence that Bawku will recover from the effects of the prolonged conflict, citing the relative peace that has prevailed in the area over the past several months.
Speaking during his engagement with the people of the Upper East Region in Bolgatanga as part of his regional tour, President Mahama stated that the return of calm offers a unique opportunity for residents to rebuild their lives and revive economic activities that were disrupted by years of insecurity.
“As the guns have stopped sounding in Bawku, we have an opportunity to begin the process of rebuilding and revitalising the area. Bawku will bounce back,” he said.
The President reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the establishment of a committee that will oversee the disbursement of the GH¢1 billion Bawku Revitalisation Fund. According to him, the fund will support recovery efforts, with significant investments expected in road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and initiatives that will stimulate economic growth and job creation.
President Mahama stressed that lasting peace remains the foundation for sustainable development, urging residents to safeguard the calm that has returned to the area and work collectively to ensure that the guns remain silent.
He also announced plans to increase investment in agriculture, mining, education, and healthcare across the five northern regions to bridge the development gap between northern and southern Ghana. He explained that government interventions would focus on processing facilities, irrigation systems, extension services, roads, and farmer service centres to unlock the economic potential of the north.
On mining, President Mahama indicated that the government, through the Minerals Commission, was identifying areas suitable for formalised mining operations to create employment opportunities while protecting the environment. He added that mining companies would be required to post reclamation bonds to ensure degraded lands are restored.
The President further described indiscipline in schools as a growing concern, attributing part of the challenge to the influence of social media, artificial intelligence, and other digital platforms. He assured faith-based organisations that government remains open to granting them a greater role in managing schools they established.
The Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, acknowledged that Bawku remains the region’s most significant security challenge but noted that the area has witnessed relative peace in recent months, with reconciliation and social integration efforts gradually taking shape.
He expressed optimism that the peace process would gain greater momentum with continued support from President Mahama and the implementation of the Bawku Revitalisation Fund.
Mr. Atanga also revealed that incidents of armed robbery and motorbike snatching have reduced significantly due to coordinated efforts by security agencies, traditional authorities, community leaders, and the Inspector-General of Police’s Special Operations Team.
He assured residents that the Regional Coordinating Council would continue strengthening community engagement, early-warning systems, and collaboration among stakeholders to consolidate peace, improve public safety, and ensure lasting stability in the region.
Story By Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah, Ahotoronline,Accra
