The President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has stated that the Upper West Region holds strategic importance in Ghana’s economic transformation due to its location as a gateway to Burkina Faso and the wider Sahel region. He explained that the region’s position provides opportunities for it to serve as a major centre for cross border commerce under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
Building on this strategic advantage, President Mahama said the government’s economic agenda focuses on agricultural led industrialisation, infrastructure development, export expansion and job creation. He therefore indicated that initiatives such as the 24 Hour Economy Initiative and the Accelerated Exports Development Program are designed to create economic opportunities across regions and strengthen Ghana’s participation in regional trade.
The President moreover highlighted agriculture as a key sector capable of changing the economic fortunes of the Upper West Region. He noted that the area has significant prospects in shea production, livestock, groundnuts, sorghum, millet, maize, rice, horticulture, renewable energy and ecotourism.
His Excellency explained that the establishment of the Shea Park Resource Center in the region forms part of efforts to improve local processing and increase the value of Ghanaian products. He added that the facility will support women who play a central role in the shea value chain.
“The objective is local processing, value addition and export of finished products anchored by the Shea Park Resource Center.”
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
Additionally, he announced that government investments under the Feed Ghana programme are aimed at improving irrigation, mechanisation, extension services and access to quality agricultural inputs. He said the initiative includes farmer service centres, storage facilities and climate smart technologies to strengthen food production.
President Mahama revealed that 50 locations have been identified for farmer service centres nationwide, with 11 expected to begin operations within the current budget period. He noted that one of the selected centres would be located in the Upper West Region.
He revealed that farmers across communities including Funsi, Tumu, Nadowli and Wa East would be integrated into Ghana’s economic development plans through improved support systems. The President noted that the government’s approach focuses on moving beyond raw production into processing and export of finished goods.
Furthermore, President Mahama announced plans for maize processing facilities in major maize producing areas including the Sissala area. He explained that the facilities form part of a wider plan to expand agro processing and create employment opportunities.
He disclosed that the government intends to establish 10 maize processing factories across selected areas to support value addition in agriculture. The President indicated that these interventions would strengthen the connection between farming communities and industrial development.
Road Projects And Health Facilities Receive New Investment Push
The President also outlined plans to improve transport networks, border connectivity and healthcare services in the Upper West Region as part of efforts to support economic growth. He emphasised that infrastructure remains essential for connecting farmers to markets, students to schools and patients to health facilities.
Addressing regional development priorities, President Mahama stated the Big Push Infrastructure Programme would support major road projects across the region. He revealed that several routes have been identified for rehabilitation and upgrading under the programme.
He announced that the Sawla, Tuna and Wa corridor, which extends from Wenchi through Bamboi and Bole, is being re-engineered for reconstruction. According to the President, the project will upgrade the route into an asphaltic concrete road to improve transportation.
Additionally, he stated that the road linking Wa, Hamile and Burkina Faso would receive attention under government’s infrastructure programme. He added that other connections including Wa through Han, Tumu, Navrongo and Bolgatanga had been awarded to contractors for execution.
“The Upper West Region has got its fair share of the Big Push programme, and roads that have not been captured are being considered.”
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama
The President further explained that feeder roads would receive support through a World Bank funded programme valued at $300 million. He indicated that selected feeder roads would be improved with durable surfaces to enhance movement within rural communities.
Moreover, President Mahama said work has resumed on the Mishuo-Wuoyema Bridge project after contractors were instructed to return to site. He explained that the completed project would provide shorter routes between communities in the Upper East and Upper West regions.
Furthermore, President Mahama announced that steps were being taken towards the development of a new airport in Wa. He explained that the project would proceed through the necessary procurement processes to improve air connectivity.
The President also outlined measures to strengthen healthcare delivery in underserved areas through improved equipment and support for Community Health Planning and Services compounds. He said the facilities have been integrated into the free primary healthcare programme to expand access at the community level.
He noted that government had selected 35 Agenda 111 hospital projects for completion, particularly those that had reached advanced stages of construction. The President explained that completing these facilities would improve healthcare access and support communities across the country.
President Mahama stated that the combined investment in roads, trade infrastructure and healthcare would support the region’s development objectives. He added that the government’s programmes are aimed at creating stronger economic links and improving essential services for residents.
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