The Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin has called for a bipartisan approach to tackle the developmental gaps across the five regions of the North.
The Effutu Member of Parliament admonished his colleague politicians to rise above partisanship and prioritize policies and policies that will close the developmental gap between the North and the rest of the country.
Addressing the maiden Northern Development Conference in Tamale on Monday (July 21, 2025), the leader said, “We must deliver on promises with urgency and integrity, ensuring that resources meant for the North are fully utilized for their intended purpose.”
Highlighting on the theme of the conference dubbed: “A Conference of Northern People, Leaders and Partners”, Mr. Markin called for collaborations with development partners and investors in sectors like agriculture, health, education, and entrepreneurship to propel development in the area.
“The North is ready for transformation but it requires strong partnerships, local empowerment, and shared accountability. Let this conference mark the beginning of a united, sustained effort to create lasting progress for northern Ghana” he emphasized.
“Before we can chart a path toward meaningful development in northern Ghana, we must confront the persistent challenges that have historically held the region back. Foremost among these is the stark prevalence of poverty—our northern regions record the highest rates in the country, with nearly 8 in 10 people in some areas living in multidimensional poverty” the Minority leader pointed out.
Mr. Afenyo-Markin observed how this has translated to families struggling daily for food, healthcare, and education coupled with the glaring infrastructure deficit: poor road networks, limited access to electricity, inadequate water supply, and poor sanitation which continues to hinder economic activity and social wellbeing.
According to him, these gaps not only erode quality of life but also discourage investment and economic growth.
“Education, which should be the great equalizer, remains a major hurdle. Literacy rates remain low, especially among adults, and many children in rural communities still face barriers such as long travel distances, untrained teachers, or financial hardship that push them out of school” the lawmaker stated.
Insecurity
The Minority leader further seized the opportunity to admonish traditional leaders to foster peace and unity among their subjects. He observed insecurity has become an urgent concern with chieftaincy disputes, ethnic conflicts and the threat of extremist violence disrupting lives and livelihoods.
“To our revered traditional leaders, your role as custodians of culture and unity is vital. Use your influence to foster peace, promote education, and ensure that development efforts truly reflect the needs of your people” he stated.
He argued the development of northern Ghana is a shared responsibility that demands the collective commitment of all stakeholders.
He indicated these issues i.e. poverty, weak infrastructure, poor education, and insecurity are deeply intertwined and have contributed to the North’s marginalization in Ghana’s development story.
Meanwhile, the Northern Development Conference was convened and hosted by the Northern Parliamentary Caucus to address the urgent and entrenched development challenges confronting Northern Ghana while fostering strategic partnership, legislative engagement and shared commitment to sustainable transformation.
