The call for a paradigm shift in development measurement in northern Ghana, issued by former Finance Minister and Member of Parliament for Karaga, Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam, underscores a critical need to move beyond superficial indicators of progress and focus on tangible, transformative outcomes. Dr. Adam argues that simply counting the number of schools or clinics built does not accurately reflect development. Instead, he proposes a more impactful metric: the number of millionaires created within the region. This provocative statement challenges the conventional view of development and highlights the urgent need for wealth creation and sustainable economic opportunities in the North. He contends that true development lies in empowering individuals to achieve financial independence and contribute meaningfully to the economic growth of their communities, rather than relying on handouts and token infrastructure projects. This shift in focus would require a fundamental change in the way development initiatives are conceived, implemented, and evaluated, moving away from a dependency-driven model towards a more self-reliant and sustainable approach.
Dr. Adam’s challenge to northern Ghana stakeholders coincides with the persistent low ranking of several areas within the Savannah and Northern regions on national development indices, despite decades of government and donor-funded interventions. This persistent disparity reveals a fundamental flaw in the existing development strategies. It suggests a disconnect between the interventions and the real needs of the communities they aim to serve. The focus on short-term, politically motivated projects, often implemented during election cycles, fails to address the systemic issues hindering the region’s progress. Dr. Adam advocates for a shift towards legacy projects – initiatives designed to create lasting change and uplift entire communities. These projects should leverage the region’s inherent strengths, such as the shea industry, mineral deposits, and potential for inland logistics, transforming them into engines of economic growth and sustainable development.
The MP’s call for a departure from “follow-follow” politics, where communities passively accept the development agendas of political parties, resonates with the need for greater ownership and agency in shaping the North’s future. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with political parties on a more strategic level, demanding that the region’s priorities be incorporated into their manifestos. This empowers the communities to hold political leaders accountable for delivering meaningful change, moving beyond empty promises and short-sighted initiatives. Dr. Adam’s proposal hinges on a collective effort, involving chiefs, youth groups, and religious leaders, to develop a coordinated, long-term development plan. This inclusive approach recognizes the crucial role of local leadership in driving sustainable development and ensuring that initiatives align with the unique needs and aspirations of the communities they serve.
By focusing on wealth creation and urging strategic engagement with political parties, Dr. Amin Adam offers a pathway toward a more prosperous and self-reliant North. He challenges the traditional metrics of development, emphasizing the importance of economic empowerment and sustainable opportunity over token gestures. This call for a more proactive and strategic approach to development is particularly pertinent given the region’s continued struggle with poverty and underdevelopment despite years of interventions. His vision for a transformed North requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including community leaders, youth groups, and political actors, to break free from the cycle of dependency and build a future rooted in economic prosperity and sustainable progress.
The Gonjaland Youth Association’s (GLYA) efforts align with Dr. Adam’s vision for a more proactive and development-focused approach. Their commitment to fundraising, youth empowerment programs, and diaspora mobilization reveals a recognition of the crucial role of youth in driving positive change. By investing in these areas, GLYA aims to empower the next generation of leaders with the skills and resources necessary to contribute to the development of their region. The focus on diaspora mobilization is particularly significant, as it leverages the expertise and resources of Gonjas living abroad, creating a valuable network for knowledge sharing, investment, and mentorship.
The convergence of Dr. Adam’s call for a paradigm shift in development thinking and GLYA’s efforts to empower the youth provides a promising outlook for northern Ghana. By shifting the focus from short-term handouts to long-term, sustainable economic opportunities, and by actively engaging with political leaders to prioritize the region’s needs, northern Ghana can begin to unlock its full potential and create a future of prosperity for its people. The active involvement of youth organizations like GLYA, coupled with the guidance and support of experienced leaders like Dr. Adam, creates a powerful synergy that can drive meaningful change and pave the way for a more equitable and prosperous North. This combined approach holds the potential to transform northern Ghana into a hub of economic activity, where individuals are empowered to create wealth, contribute to their communities, and build a more sustainable future.
