Upper East youth raise concern over ‘snail-paced’ development

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 concerns were raised by the Upper East Regional Coordinator of Activista Ghana under ActionAid Ghana, Nicholas Azebire, during activities to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.

Mr. Azebire said the region continued to face significant deficits in road infrastructure, healthcare, aviation, sports facilities and employment opportunities, which, he noted, were hampering socio-economic development and limiting opportunities for young people.

“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.”

He identified poor road connectivity as one of the major impediments to development, noting that several municipalities and districts still lacked properly tarred roads.

According to him, the Nabdam District 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 said the prolonged delays surrounding the Bolga-Bawku Road remained a clear indication of the development challenges confronting the region.

“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.

Mr. Azebire described the airport as a strategic project that could significantly transform the region’s economic fortunes, while also improving access to emergency healthcare and strengthening security.

“This airport, for security, health, and economic reasons, remains a vital project capable of turning around the fortunes of the region.”

On healthcare, he raised concerns about the absence of a hospital in the Bolgatanga Municipality, saying the situation was placing additional pressure on the Upper East Regional Hospital.

He also expressed worry over stalled Agenda 111 hospital projects in the region. According to him, eight of the 15 municipalities and districts that benefited from the programme have projects that have stalled.

Mr. Azebire therefore called on the government to prioritise the completion of the projects to improve access to quality healthcare across the region.

Youth unemployment, he added, remained another pressing concern.

He urged the government to prioritise the development of the tomato and meat factories, arguing that industrialisation was essential to creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people.

“There cannot be a successful 24-hour economy without a focus on industrialisation.”

He stressed that a successful 24-hour economy must be anchored on a productive economy rather than one that relies heavily on imports.

While acknowledging the support the current administration has received from young people in the region, Mr. Azebire said the youth expected 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 called on the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, and the region’s 15 Members of Parliament to intensify efforts to accelerate development and address the longstanding concerns of residents.

Mr. Azebire also appealed to young people in the region to reject violence, drug and substance abuse, as well as the destruction of property in second-cycle institutions.

He urged the youth to remain peaceful and actively contribute to efforts aimed at advancing development in the Upper East Region.