Young people in the Upper East Region have raised concerns over what they describe as the “snail-paced development” of the region, saying several critical challenges have remained unresolved for decades.
The Upper East Regional Coordinator of Activista Ghana under ActionAid Ghana, Nicholas Azebire, made the concerns known during the commemoration of the 2026 International Youth Day. He said the region continues to face serious deficits in road infrastructure, healthcare, aviation, sports facilities and employment opportunities.
“The youth of the Upper East Region are concerned about the snail-paced development of the region, with many of the challenges remaining topical issues for several decades.”
Mr. Azebire said poor road connectivity remains one of the major impediments to development, with several municipalities and districts lacking properly tarred roads.
He cited the Nabdam District, which he said has no single tarred road apart from the Bolga-Bawku Road, while communities across Talensi, Bongo, Builsa and the Garu-Pusiga-Tempane corridor continue to endure poor road conditions.
He described the prolonged delays surrounding the Bolga-Bawku Road as evidence of the region’s development challenges.
“The much-talked-about Bolga-Bawku Road, following years of delay, speaks to how the region has been neglected.”
The youth also expressed concern over delays in the commencement of work on the Upper East Regional Airport, which Mr. Azenire said could transform the region’s economic fortunes.
“This airport, for security, health, and economic reasons, remains a vital project capable of turning around the fortunes of the region.”
On healthcare, he noted that the Bolgatanga Municipality does not have a hospital, placing additional pressure on the Upper East Regional Hospital.
He also raised concern over stalled Agenda 111 projects, saying eight of the 15 municipalities and districts that benefited from the programme have projects that have stalled. Mr. Azenire called on government to prioritise the projects to improve healthcare delivery in the region.
Youth unemployment was another major concern. Mr. Azenire urged government to prioritise the development of the tomato and meat factories, arguing that industrialisation is critical to creating sustainable employment opportunities.
“There cannot be a successful 24-hour economy without a focus on industrialisation.”
He added that a successful 24-hour economy must be based on a productive economy rather than one heavily dependent on imports.
While acknowledging the support the current administration has received from young people in the region, Mr. Azebire said the youth expect that support to translate into tangible development.
“It is our hope that this support will translate into meaningful development for the region and its people.”
He therefore called on the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, and the region’s 15 Members of Parliament to intensify efforts to accelerate development.
Mr. Azebire also appealed to young people to reject violence, drug and substance abuse, and the destruction of property in second-cycle institutions.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah
