By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Bongo (U/E), March 7, GNA – Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to inclusive development, stressing that no Ghanaian would be left behind in the country’s development agenda.
He said government remained focused on investing in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and social protection to ensure that development reached every community across the country.
The Minister reiterated the commitment in an address at the regional celebration of the 69th Ghana Independence Day in Bongo, held under the theme: “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope.”
Mr Akamugri explained that the government, under the leadership of John Dramani Mahama, was committed to restoring confidence in governance, strengthening the national economy and expanding opportunities for citizens.
“Our collective goal remains clear: to ensure that no district, no community, and indeed no citizen is left behind in Ghana’s development journey,” he stated.
According to him, government’s development strategy focused on improving agricultural productivity to enhance food security and increase farmer incomes, strengthening local economic development to create jobs for the youth, expanding access to quality healthcare and education, and improving critical infrastructure such as roads, potable water and electricity.
The Minister noted that the interventions were already being translated into practical development initiatives across the country as part of the government’s agenda to rebuild public trust and stabilise the economy.
The Regional Minister emphasised that education remained the most powerful tool for empowering young people and securing the long-term development of the nation.
He also highlighted government’s commitment to strengthening public education, including sustained funding for the Free Senior High School Programme, which he said continued to expand access to secondary education for Ghanaian children.
Mr Akamugri mentioned government had awarded 94 educational infrastructure projects in the Upper East Region under the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to address classroom deficits and help gradually phase out the double-track system.
Other interventions, he said, included the introduction of the No-Fees-Stress Initiative and the distribution of more than 666,000 sanitary pads to support girl-child education.
Mr Akamugri urged citizens to support government efforts by promoting unity, discipline and patriotism, noting that development could not be achieved by government alone but required the collective effort of traditional authorities, religious leaders, civil society, the private sector and all citizens.
He also commended security agencies for maintaining peace and stability in the region and encouraged communities to preserve the peaceful coexistence that the Upper East Region was known for.
The Minister urged students to remain focused on their education and cautioned them against engaging in riots, advising them instead to resolve grievances through dialogue and established channels.
He called on students to remain focused on their education and work hard to contribute to national development.
Ghana gained independence on March 6, 1957, becoming the first sub-Saharan African country to break free from colonial rule.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/George-Ramsey Benamba