The Upper West Regional Women and Youth Coalition, a collective voice representing diverse youth and women’s groups in Ghana’s Upper West Region, presented a comprehensive list of developmental priorities to the Regional Minister, Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing. This communique, born from a Regional Development Forum held on February 22, 2025, and supported by the HEARD project (Heard Everywhere and Represented Daily), highlighted key areas requiring immediate attention from the government. The coalition’s primary aim is to ensure that the voices of young people and women are not just heard, but actively integrated into the region’s governance and development trajectory. Their recommendations underscored the urgent need for inclusive governance, economic empowerment, improved infrastructure, enhanced security, and social development initiatives tailored to the specific needs of the Upper West Region.
A central theme of the communique was the plea for increased youth and women participation in local governance. The coalition advocated for a quota system, ensuring representation for youth (aged 18-35), women, and marginalized groups in all current and future government appointments. This call for inclusivity reflects a desire to move beyond tokenistic representation and ensure meaningful participation of these demographic groups in decision-making processes that directly impact their lives. The coalition believes that empowering these groups within the governance structure is vital for sustainable and equitable development in the region.
Addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment, the coalition stressed the need for sustainable job creation, focusing specifically on the agricultural sector. Recognizing agriculture as a significant source of livelihood in the region, they urged the government to invest in programs and initiatives that not only provide employment opportunities but also equip young people with the necessary skills and resources to thrive in the agricultural sector. This includes access to land, credit facilities, modern farming techniques, and market linkages to ensure profitability and long-term sustainability.
The coalition also highlighted the urgent need for infrastructural development. They drew attention to the unfinished Wa-Tumu-Bolga road and the deteriorating Wa-Sawla-Wechi road, crucial transportation arteries that impact trade, access to essential services, and overall regional development. Emphasizing the importance of education, they also pointed to the inadequate infrastructure in key educational institutions, a deficit that hinders effective teaching and learning. The coalition’s call for infrastructural improvement underscores the understanding that physical infrastructure is a foundational element for economic progress and social well-being.
The communique addressed prevalent social concerns, specifically the escalating problem of drug and substance abuse, particularly tramadol. Calling for comprehensive research into the root causes and prevalence of this issue, they urged proactive law enforcement measures to combat the spread of these substances and address the associated social and health consequences. Furthermore, they emphasized the need to address the malfunctioning streetlights in the regional capital, Wa, linking it to increased security risks, including armed robbery and serial killings in poorly lit areas. Enhancing security within the region is vital for fostering a safe and conducive environment for residents and businesses.
Further demonstrating their broad concerns, the coalition advocated for the removal of taxes on sanitary pads, recognizing the financial burden this places on women and girls. They also highlighted critical issues such as poor sanitation practices, teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and proposed a review of the Free Senior High School entry cut-off point, advocating for broader access to education. These points demonstrate the coalition’s commitment to addressing deep-seated social challenges affecting vulnerable populations within the region.
Finally, in a move to ensure accountability and transparency, the coalition invited the Regional Minister to appear before the Upper West Regional Youth Parliament, alongside other development stakeholders, to deliver a State of the Region Address. This invitation aims to create a platform for open dialogue, allowing the government to present its plans and progress directly to the people it serves, and enabling the youth and other stakeholders to engage in constructive discussions about the region’s development trajectory. This emphasizes the coalition’s commitment to active participation and collaboration in the governance process. The Regional Minister, Lawyer Puozuing, received the communique and expressed his commitment to addressing the raised concerns, recognizing them as shared priorities. He specifically addressed the urgency of combating drug and substance abuse, emphasizing his office’s commitment to eradicate this menace from the region. He also affirmed the government’s prioritization of the Wa-Sawla-Bole road, noting its inclusion in the upcoming budget, and pledged to work towards incorporating the Wa-Tumu-Bolga road in subsequent budgets. His acknowledgment of the streetlight issue and the existing plans to address it further demonstrates the government’s responsiveness to the concerns highlighted by the coalition. This interaction lays the foundation for collaborative action towards a more prosperous and inclusive future for the Upper West Region.
