The Upper East Region’s development conversation has been dominated by demands for roads, but that narrative must change if the region is to unlock its economic potential, a former Presiding Member of the Bawku Municipal Assembly David Adoliba has said.
Speaking on A1 Radio on the need for an inclusive development agenda for the Upper East Region, Mr. Adoliba argued that the region possesses significant tourism assets that remain under-promoted despite their potential to generate jobs and attract investment.
He cited the crocodile ponds at Paga and Zenga, the Pikworo Slave Camp and other cultural heritage sites as opportunities capable of transforming the regional economy.
“We always talk about roads, but we rarely talk about the opportunities that can actually create economic activity,” he observed.
According to him, increasing tourism would naturally create demand for improved infrastructure as more visitors travel into the region.
He also challenged traditional authorities to become stronger advocates for regional development.
The former assembly leader noted that chiefs occupy influential positions because government officials routinely pay courtesy calls on them during official visits.
He urged traditional leaders to use those engagements to consistently present a unified development agenda.
“Our chiefs command enormous respect. They should use that influence to push projects that will benefit the entire region,” he said.
He maintained that a broader development vision, one that embraces tourism, culture, agriculture and investment, would position the Upper East Region for sustainable growth beyond recurrent calls for road infrastructure alone.
Source: Bolgafmonline.com |102.7 MHz | Bolgatanga
