The Municipal Chief Executive for Bawku, Isaac Azunaba, has outlined a series of development projects being implemented across the municipality, despite ongoing security challenges in the area.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Azunaba acknowledged the difficulty of balancing security concerns with development, stressing that halting infrastructure expansion would worsen living conditions for residents.
“It is not easy to manage both security and development at the same time. But halting development would even worsen the situation. That is why government continues to roll out projects across the country, and Bawku is not left out,” he said.
According to him, the municipality initiated about 12 projects in 2025, with several at various stages of completion. He added that three projects have also been rehabilitated, including improvements in the education and health sectors.
Among these are upgrades at Watania School, where a classroom block has been renovated, roofing works completed, and accommodation for nurses improved through refurbishment and new construction.
Mr. Azunaba explained that these interventions were necessary due to challenges posed by the White Volta, which often overflows during the rainy season and restricts the movement of teachers and health workers.
“We realised that when it rains, the White Volta overflows, making it difficult for teachers and nurses to cross. So we improved and expanded accommodation facilities to ensure they can stay within the community,” he said.
He further detailed the construction of new school facilities, including a six-classroom block at Naranzua and another at Arizim, both nearing completion. A storm-damaged classroom block at Buabula is also being rebuilt and is close to completion.
Additional projects include a six-unit classroom block in Natinga in the Zambugo Electoral Area, along with several renovation works. He noted that some stalled projects inherited by the assembly have been completed, while others are ongoing.
Mr. Azunaba said these interventions are aimed at reducing overcrowding in schools, improving learning conditions, and boosting enrolment.
In the health sector, a Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound at Nabora has been completed and is awaiting commissioning.
He emphasised that project selection has been guided by the need to improve access to essential services, particularly in underserved communities.
“We realised some areas were lagging behind due to the long distances residents travel to access health facilities. So we worked with the municipal health directorate and technical teams to identify priority areas,” he said.
Mr. Azunaba also provided an update on plans for a referral hospital in the municipality, indicating that preparatory steps are underway for construction to begin soon.
“We have made follow-ups. My MP, the Majority Leader, is in Accra and working on this project to ensure it starts. As I speak, we are preparing to cut sod for the referral hospital,” he said.
He noted that the facility is expected to serve Bawku and neighbouring districts including Pusiga, Garu, Binduri, and Tempane, as well as parts of neighbouring Burkina Faso.
On road infrastructure, Mr. Azunaba disclosed plans to improve more than 50 kilometres of road networks across the municipality. He said a contractor is expected on site soon, with works to include the rehabilitation of key bridges to enhance transportation and connectivity.
“We want to improve most of the roads. In fact, we may be working on over 50 kilometres of road networks across the municipality,” he added.
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