The Northern Regional Minister, Hon. Shani Alhassan Shaibu, highlighted crucial regional issues during the Northern Regional Coordinating Council meeting on June 18, 2024. The discussion covered peace and security, water, sanitation and hygiene, substance abuse, and various development programmes and projects.
𝗣𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆
Hon. Shaibu commended the Northern Region as one of Ghana’s most peaceful areas but expressed concern over the use of AK-47s at funerals and festivals. He reported that the Dagbon Traditional Council has banned such weapons, with the Regional Security Council (REGSEC) tasked with enforcing this ban. As Ghana approaches the 2024 elections, he urged residents to maintain peace and for political entities to avoid inflammatory actions.
𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝘆𝗴𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗲
Addressing water shortages in Tamale, the minister assured residents of the government’s commitment to resolving the issue. He announced the construction of a new water treatment plant on the White Volta at Yapei, projected to be completed by 2040 at a cost of $272 million. Immediate measures include restoring and optimizing existing facilities and providing free tanker services to severely affected communities.
𝗦𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗲
The minister voiced concern over rising illicit drug use among children in the region. In response, he has established a committee to investigate and address the issue, following a briefing from health authorities.
𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀
Hon. Shaibu reported steady progress in development initiatives funded by external sources, including the Social Cohesion Project (SOCO), Ghana Secondary Cities Programme, and Ghana Productive Safety Net Project (GPSNP). He encouraged collaboration among Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), project officials, and traditional authorities to achieve project goals.
𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻
The minister highlighted the region’s alarming environmental conditions, pointing out widespread litter and poor sanitation despite having 750 salaried Environmental Health Officers. He plans to convene a meeting with stakeholders to address and improve the situation.
The council meeting underscored the Northern Region’s commitment to addressing key challenges and fostering sustainable development.