Don't politicise Upper East's exclusion from World Bank roads project – Rev. Akaribo

The Bolgatanga Municipal Chairman of the Peasant Farmers Association of Ghana (PFAG), Rev. John Akaribo Denis, has called for calm, dialogue and strategic advocacy following concerns over the exclusion of the Upper East Region from the World Bank-funded Ghana Market Access and Connectivity Project (GMACP).

The concern follows the World Bank's approval of a $500 million financing package aimed at improving rural road networks and strengthening agricultural value chains in selected regions across Ghana. The absence of the Upper East Region from the list of beneficiaries has sparked debate among residents and stakeholders, particularly given the region's significant contribution to the country's agricultural sector.

Speaking on Bolgatanga-based Dreamz FM, Rev. Akaribo described the Upper East Region as one of Ghana's key food-producing areas and questioned why it was left out of a project designed to improve market access for farmers.

"We are an agricultural region. You cannot overlook the Tono valleys, the Pwalugu area and the farming activities across the region," he said, pointing to major farming hubs such as Bongo, Bawku, Pusiga and the Tono Irrigation Scheme.

He, however, cautioned against turning the matter into a political contest, stressing that development issues should be addressed through constructive engagement rather than partisan rhetoric.

According to him, the region's political and administrative leadership, including Members of Parliament, the Upper East Regional Minister, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, as well as technical agencies should unite and engage the government with a well-documented case for the inclusion of the region in the project.

Rev. Akaribo noted that several feeder roads linking farming communities to markets remain in deplorable condition, increasing transportation costs and post-harvest losses for farmers. He argued that improving these roads would significantly enhance agricultural productivity and market access.

He urged regional stakeholders to identify priority feeder roads that support agricultural production and submit comprehensive proposals to the government while the implementation of the project is still ongoing.

The PFAG municipal chairman expressed optimism that sustained advocacy and evidence-based engagement could persuade authorities to reconsider the region's exclusion.

His remarks add to growing calls from stakeholders in the Upper East Region for equitable distribution of national development projects, particularly those aimed at boosting agriculture and improving rural infrastructure. Many believe the region's strategic role in food production makes it deserving of greater investment in road connectivity and market access.