Bolgatanga: The Bolgatanga Traditional Council has charged Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri, the Upper East Regional Minister, to prioritise giving Bolgatanga a face-lift befitting of a regional capital.
According to Ghana News Agency, the current state of the Bolgatanga Municipality does not represent the status of a regional capital, as it continues to battle with basic development challenges such as poor roads, inadequate potable water, and insufficient sanitation. These issues have persisted over the years, with successive governments failing to address them adequately.
The Traditional Council conveyed their concerns through Naba Patrick Ayimbila Asaliya, Divisional Chief of Yarigabisi and Acting President of the Bolgatanga Traditional Council, during a courtesy call by Mr Donatus Atanga Akamugri in Bolgatanga. Naba Asaliya pointed out that apart from the poor road network within the township, the overall state of roads in the regional capital is deplorable and poses a danger to residents.
Naba Asaliya emphasized that Bolgatanga, as the gateway to the Upper East Region, lacks good roads. He appealed to the Minister to ensure that Bolgatanga receives a much-needed face-lift and improvements to its road network. Additionally, the Acting President highlighted the absence of a modern market, which forces traders to overcrowd existing spaces and deprives the Municipal Assembly of essential revenue required for developmental projects.
He also reminded the government, through the Regional Minister, of the need to complete the pending passport office project to prevent residents from traveling to Tamale for passport services. Furthermore, he reiterated the government’s promise to build a modern sports stadium, which would help unearth the region’s immense talents.
The Acting President praised President John Dramani Mahama for appointing Mr Akamugri as the Regional Minister, noting his alignment with traditional values and his proven ability to bring development to the region. He pledged the Traditional Council’s support to the Regional Minister and President Mahama’s government while appealing for a face-lift that would modernize the Traditional Council’s facilities.
In response, the Regional Minister expressed gratitude for the Traditional Council’s support and pledged to collaborate with them to meet the area’s development needs. He emphasized his role as a servant to the people, open to advice and collaboration, and encouraged them to address any concerns directly with him.
The Minister also appealed for calm as the government worked to resolve the local chieftaincy dispute and urged the community to embrace peace during this process.