Government has pledged a new era of fairness in the distribution of road infrastructure, with a deliberate policy shift to address the imbalance that has long favoured Ghana’s southern regions over the north.
Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, announced the change in approach during the 49th Annual Congress of the National Gonjaland Youth Association held in Sawla, Savannah Region. He said the government under President John Dramani Mahama is determined to bridge the infrastructural gap, particularly in underserved areas like Savannah.
“One of the things I consider as imbalance in infrastructure is this — it appears 70% of our expenditure on roads is spent in the South, especially between Greater Accra and Ashanti Region alone consume almost 70% of our road infrastructure,” the minister stated. “That is not equity in development. We shall actually rewrite that. We’ll reallocate resources to touch people in this part of the country.”
Mr. Agbodza reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to inclusive development and noted that the new strategy would see more road investments channeled into northern communities, with Savannah Region poised to receive a fair share.
He also issued a stern warning to contractors set to execute the projects, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards. “The government will not compromise on quality. Deliver the work or forfeit the contract,” he cautioned, while praising those already working on-site despite delayed payments.
This year’s congress, themed “Harnessing Natural Resources for Development in Gonjaland: The Role of the Youth,” brought together key stakeholders to discuss development priorities such as infrastructure deficits, land disputes, and security concerns within the region.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu, who also spoke at the event, assured that the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission would deliver a pick-up vehicle to the Savannah College of Education within 30 days. He further reiterated President Mahama’s vision of expanding access to higher education across all regions.
“President Mahama’s plan to establish a public university in every region remains on course, and Savannah Region will not be left out,” Mr. Iddrisu stated.
In a related development, Savannah Regional Minister Salifu Be-Awuribe welcomed discussions on updating the Gonja Kingdom’s 1930 Constitution. He described the move as timely and necessary for aligning traditional leadership with modern governance systems.
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