The Upper West Region of Ghana has embarked on a collaborative journey towards sustainable development, marked by a groundbreaking Regional Development Forum convened by the Regional Women and Youth Coalition. This dynamic coalition, representing a diverse cross-section of youth and women’s organizations, presented a comprehensive communique to the Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing Esq., outlining key priorities and proposed solutions for the region’s progress. The forum, held on February 22, 2025, was a culmination of efforts under the Heard Everywhere and Represented Daily (HEARD) project, a collaborative initiative between SAVE-Ghana and NORSAAC, aimed at amplifying the voices of marginalized communities.
The coalition’s communique highlighted the crucial role of youth and women in driving local governance and development. They advocated for increased representation of these groups in decision-making processes, proposing the reservation of quotas for youth, women, and other marginalized communities in government appointments. This call for inclusive governance underscores the belief that diverse perspectives are essential for effective and equitable development strategies. By ensuring a seat at the table for all segments of society, the region can leverage the potential of its entire population and create a truly representative governing body.
Addressing the pervasive challenge of youth unemployment, a major obstacle to the region’s progress, the coalition urged for the creation of sustainable employment opportunities, particularly within the agricultural sector. This focus on agriculture recognizes the region’s significant agricultural potential and aims to empower young people to contribute to economic growth while ensuring food security. The proposal emphasized not just job creation, but sustainable opportunities, implying a focus on long-term skill development, access to resources, and market linkages to ensure the viability and longevity of these ventures.
Beyond employment, the communique addressed a spectrum of interconnected social and infrastructural challenges. The coalition underscored the imperative to improve critical infrastructure, recognizing its role in facilitating economic activities and improving overall quality of life. They also called for urgent action to combat drug and substance abuse, a growing menace threatening the region’s youth and hindering development efforts. Further, the communique highlighted critical social concerns, including improving sanitation practices, addressing teenage pregnancy, and eradicating child marriage. These interconnected issues were presented as crucial areas requiring intervention to ensure the holistic well-being of the region’s population and pave the way for sustainable progress.
Regional Minister Puozuing received the communique with a demonstrable commitment to address the identified issues, acknowledging their importance for the region’s advancement. He affirmed the government’s dedication to partnering with the coalition and other stakeholders to implement effective solutions. Specifically, he reiterated the government’s commitment to combating drug abuse and outlined plans to prioritize crucial infrastructure projects, highlighting the Wa-Sawla-Bole road as a vital artery for regional connectivity and economic development. This response signaled the government’s recognition of the urgency and importance of the issues raised, laying the foundation for a collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Furthermore, Minister Puozuing addressed the critical issue of security, outlining imminent measures to enhance safety and create a conducive environment for economic growth. He highlighted plans to install streetlights in strategic locations to deter criminal activities and foster a sense of security among residents. This emphasis on security underscores its foundational role in enabling economic activities and promoting overall development. A safe and secure environment is essential for attracting investment, fostering entrepreneurship, and ensuring the well-being of citizens, all of which are crucial for sustainable progress.
The collaborative spirit between the Regional Women and Youth Coalition and the government represents a significant step towards achieving the shared vision of a prosperous Upper West Region. This partnership exemplifies a commitment to participatory governance, where citizens actively contribute to shaping the development agenda. The coalition’s proactive engagement and the government’s receptive response signal a positive shift towards a more inclusive and responsive governance model, laying the groundwork for sustainable and equitable development in the region. The collective voice of the community, amplified through the coalition, underscores the determination of the people of the Upper West Region to shape their destiny and build a brighter future for all.
