The Bono Regional Minister, Mr. Joseph Addae Akwaboa, has publicly denounced the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration for deceptively promoting the Sunyani Regional Hospital to a Teaching Hospital. He argued that the declaration was misleading, lacking both the necessary infrastructure and legal framework to justify such a status change. Mr. Akwaboa emphasized that a mere cabinet memo, as purportedly used by the previous government, was insufficient for such a significant alteration. He stressed the requirement of an Executive Instrument to formally elevate a regional hospital to a teaching hospital, concluding that the previous administration’s announcement was not only premature but also procedurally flawed. Despite criticizing the previous government’s handling of the situation, Mr. Akwaboa affirmed the current government’s commitment to legitimately achieving the teaching hospital status for the Sunyani Regional Hospital.
Mr. Akwaboa detailed the current government’s efforts to rectify the situation and outlined the steps taken to achieve the desired upgrade. He highlighted the formation of a Teaching Hospital Board, comprising representatives from various institutions, to oversee and guide the transformation process. This demonstrates a structured approach to address the inadequacies and ensure the hospital meets the required standards for teaching status. He also revealed that the Council of State had completed its review of the matter and that President John Dramani Mahama was expected to officially announce the board’s constitution in the near future. This indicates a progression towards formalizing the upgrade and solidifying the government’s commitment to improving healthcare services in the region. Beyond the hospital upgrade, the Minister also announced plans for the establishment of a Medical School at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, further strengthening the region’s healthcare infrastructure. This development, slated for completion by the end of the year, underscores the government’s broader vision for enhancing medical education and research within the region.
Moving beyond healthcare, Mr. Akwaboa addressed pressing security and environmental concerns within the Bono Region, identifying illegal mining and uncontrolled cattle grazing by Fulani herdsmen as major challenges. He characterized these activities as destabilizing forces within the region, impacting both the environment and the local communities. Illegal mining, with its inherent environmental degradation and potential for social disruption, poses a significant threat to the region’s sustainability. Uncontrolled cattle grazing, particularly by nomadic Fulani herdsmen, further exacerbates the situation, leading to conflicts with local farmers and environmental damage through overgrazing. Despite acknowledging the gravity of these issues, the Minister expressed optimism about finding solutions through collaborative efforts involving various stakeholders. This multi-faceted approach aims to bring together diverse perspectives and expertise to tackle these complex problems.
Mr. Akwaboa underscored the proactive steps taken to address the Fulani herdsmen issue, highlighting a meeting with the national president of the Fulani community. This high-level engagement signifies the government’s commitment to addressing the issue through dialogue and negotiation, seeking a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflicts. He conveyed confidence in the ongoing discussions and expressed hope that a mutually agreeable solution could be reached, minimizing further disruption to local communities and the environment. While optimistic about finding solutions, the Minister did not shy away from acknowledging the escalating presence of Fulani nomads in areas like Nsoatre, Namasua, and Seikwa, underscoring the urgency of the situation. He detailed how their activities, particularly uncontrolled grazing, were disrupting the livelihoods of local communities, creating tension and conflict over land usage and resources.
The Minister’s concerns highlight a complex interplay of factors contributing to the challenges in the Bono Region. Illegal mining, driven by economic incentives and often operating outside regulatory frameworks, poses a significant threat to the environment and long-term sustainability. The issue of Fulani herdsmen, often migratory in nature, introduces another layer of complexity, involving land use rights, cultural differences, and the potential for conflict with settled communities. The Minister’s emphasis on a multi-stakeholder approach reflects the need for collaborative solutions that address the root causes of these problems. This involves engaging not only with the Fulani community leadership but also involving local chiefs, queen mothers, and community leaders to build consensus and foster understanding.
Mr. Akwaboa concluded his address with a call for unity and collective action, urging traditional leaders, community representatives, and the media to join forces in combating these growing threats. Recognizing the limited capacity of government action alone, he emphasized the vital role of community involvement in addressing these complex issues. The call for unity underscores the importance of collaborative efforts, pooling resources and expertise to find sustainable solutions. By engaging traditional authorities, community leaders, and the media, the Minister aims to create a broad-based movement for change, empowering local communities to take ownership of the solutions and fostering a sense of shared responsibility in protecting the region’s resources and ensuring peaceful coexistence. This collective approach, combining top-down government initiatives with bottom-up community participation, holds the key to effectively addressing these challenges and building a more secure and sustainable future for the Bono Region.
