We have to do things differently to develop Upper East Region – Minister

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Bolgatanga-Ghana, March 6, GNA – Mr Stephen Yakubu, the Upper East Regional Minister, says indigenes and stakeholders of the region need a paradigm shift in mindset and attitude to be able to achieve the desired development.
Over the years, politics, cultural diversity and beliefs, among others, had not made it possible for indigenes and stakeholders to tap into the numerous potentials to develop the area.
That, he said, had deepened the poverty cycle and youth unemployment.
“The region is endowed with natural resources such as water bodies, gold deposits, arable land and human resources, which when harnessed would position it ….to leverage on the comparative advantage it has and move away from abject poverty,” he said.
“We, therefore, have to consciously develop in ourselves the spirit of teamwork, self -belief and determination to collectively make our region a place for all to live in dignity, self-respect, decency and to bring back the great fortunes of this great country.” he said.
Mr Yakubu made the call in Bolgatanga when he delivered a speech at the 66th Independence Day Parade on the theme, “Our Unity; Our Strength; Our Purpose”.
A total of 42 schools, cadets, and security services took part in the regional celebration, as well as various stakeholders, including Mr Keith Mcmahon, the Deputy British High Commissioner.
The Regional Minister bemoaned the pockets of conflicts in the region, which was retarding development through the exodus of skilled labour, withdrawal of donor funded projects, and incapacitating the assemblies from generating revenue for critical projects.
“Let me use this forum to appeal to all combatants to lay down their arms for the sake of these children who would take up the mantle of leadership in the next generation, to grow in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility,” he said.
Mr Yakubu expressed dissatisfaction at the abysmal performance of students in the area, especially at the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West Africa Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
He noted that that was unacceptable and needed collective efforts to address.
He said several factors, including lateness to school and absenteeism on the part of teachers, parental neglect and poor supervision had been identified as the causes.
The Regional Coordinating Council had set up a committee to help find solutions to the challenges, he said.
“I am happy to announce that in the next couple of days, a high-level education forum will be organised to draw key stakeholders; traditional authorities, retired and current directors of education, CSOs, and NGOs to brainstorm on the issue. I will entreat everybody who might not have the opportunity to be represented to submit memoranda to the RCC on the way forward.”
Mr Bright A. Lawoe, the Upper East Regional Director of Education, noted that indiscipline in the second cycle institutions was becoming a challenge, which was one of the causes of poor performance of students.
He, therefore, urged parents and child rights activists to incorporate child responsibility into their training to improve performance.
Mr Mcmahon, on his part, commended Ghana for demonstrating that she was, indeed, the beacon of unity and strength in Africa over the last 66 years and urged stakeholders to work to hold such values.
However, he noted that the global economic crisis, effects of COVID-19 and challenges of climate change was having a toll on the vulnerable, especially the five regions of the north, and urged the Government to address poverty and inequality to achieve sustainable national development.