The President of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama, has outlined a broad development agenda for the Savannah Region, placing education at the center of long-term transformation.
Speaking as Special Guest of Honour at the 50th anniversary of the Gonjaland Youth Association in Buipe, he emphasized that sustained investment in human capital would define the region’s future.
The President announced plans to establish Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics schools in Tinga and Busunu, while also committing to expand infrastructure across Senior High Schools.
Selected Category B institutions are expected to be upgraded to Category A status, a move aimed at improving access to quality education and reducing disparities in academic resources.
He stressed that education remains the most reliable pathway to opportunity and national progress, noting that the government’s focus is to ensure young people in the Savannah Region are equipped with the skills needed for a competitive economy.
According to him, strengthening educational infrastructure is not only about buildings, but about creating an environment where ambition can thrive and translate into real outcomes.
24-Hour Markets to Drive Local Economies
Beyond education, President Mahama detailed plans to stimulate economic activity through the construction of modern 24-hour markets across all districts in the Savannah Region. These facilities are designed to support continuous trading, expand business hours, and create a more dynamic local economy.
He explained that the markets are intended to serve as hubs of commerce where traders, farmers, and small scale entrepreneurs can operate beyond traditional hours, increasing productivity and income generation. By enabling round the clock activity, the initiative seeks to deepen local supply chains and improve access to goods and services.
The President highlighted that these markets are particularly targeted at the youth, offering them structured opportunities to engage in commerce and entrepreneurship.
He underscored that economic opportunity must be deliberately created, adding that infrastructure such as markets plays a critical role in unlocking that potential.
The initiative aligns with the broader national agenda of promoting inclusive growth by ensuring that development reaches underserved regions. With each district set to benefit, the policy is expected to reduce regional inequalities and foster balanced economic participation.
New Stadium to Boost Sports and Youth Engagement
In the area of sports and recreation, President Mahama announced plans to construct a new Savannah Sports Stadium, a project aimed at nurturing talent and promoting community engagement. The facility is expected to serve as a platform for both professional and grassroots sports development.
He noted that investing in sports infrastructure goes beyond entertainment, as it creates opportunities for youth development, employment, and social cohesion. The proposed stadium is envisioned as a landmark project that will elevate the region’s sporting profile while providing a structured outlet for young people to develop their abilities.
The President emphasized that sports can play a transformative role in shaping discipline, teamwork, and national pride, making it an essential component of the region’s development agenda.
Local Leadership Appeals for Strategic Projects
During the event, Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II used the platform to highlight additional infrastructure needs within the region. He called for urgent attention to the Mpaha Junction to Debel Road project, which is currently under procurement, urging the government to prioritize its completion.
He noted that improving road connectivity is critical for facilitating trade, access to services, and overall economic growth. The appeal reflects broader concerns about infrastructure gaps that continue to limit the region’s full development potential.
The traditional leader also revealed ongoing efforts by the local community to establish a training college in Buipe. He appealed for government support to bring the project to fruition, describing it as a vital investment in skills development and education.
The President’s announcements collectively point to a coordinated strategy aimed at transforming the Savannah Region through targeted investments in education, infrastructure, and economic development.
By integrating schools, markets, and sports facilities into a unified development framework, the government seeks to address both immediate needs and long-term aspirations.
President Mahama reiterated that development requires deliberate planning and sustained commitment, noting that opportunities do not emerge on their own but must be created through policy and investment.
His remarks underscored the importance of preparing the region’s youth to take advantage of emerging opportunities.
The combination of educational reforms, economic infrastructure, and community driven initiatives reflects a broader effort to position the Savannah Region as a key contributor to national growth.
As these projects move from announcement to implementation, their success will depend on effective coordination between government, local authorities, and community stakeholders.
READ ALSO: Eastern Region Records 200+ Projects As Industrial Surge Accelerates
