The Northern Region has witnessed significant improvements in education, healthcare, and agriculture, thanks to several government development initiatives aimed at enhancing access, equity, and quality of life for residents.
From the successful Free Senior High School (SHS) policy to the landmark Agenda 111 health projects and agricultural interventions, the region continues to benefit from national development programs.
Northern Regional Minister, Alhaji Shani Alhassan Shaibu, disclosed these in a presentation on the achievements of the region during a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday October 8, 2024 at the GNAT Hall in Tamale
Education
Speaking on education, The Minister disclosed that the Northern Region, with a total of 4,219 schools, has recorded remarkable achievements especially under the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy, which was introduced in 2017.
The policy, designed to provide free secondary education to all Ghanaian students, has significantly improved access, particularly for students from low-income families.
“I am happy to announce that the Northern Region topped the transition statistics in the country with a 98% rate under the Free Senior High School Policy for the 2023/2024 academic year,” the Minister stated and expressing gratitude to policymakers, teachers, parents, and stakeholders for their support.
According to him, in addition to expanding access to education, the government has invested heavily in infrastructure across the region, stressing that the construction of classrooms, dormitories, and administration blocks in all 16 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) reflects the government’s commitment to improving learning environments.
One of the most notable projects is the newly commissioned Silver Jubilee Building at the Nyankpala campus of the University for Development Studies. Commissioned by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo in August 2024, the multipurpose facility houses lecture halls, administrative offices, research centers, and modern conference rooms.
Healthcare
Alhaji Shani Shaibu averred that the government’s flagship Agenda 111 project, launched in 2021, continues to make strides in improving healthcare across the country.
The project aims to build and equip modern healthcare facilities, including district hospitals, across the nation.
He stated that in the Northern Region, 10 out of the 16 MMDAs have been selected as beneficiaries of this health initiative.
“It is worth mentioning that 10 MMDAs in the region, including Sagnarigu, Savelugu, Nanton, and Saboba, are benefiting from the Agenda 111 project,” the Minister revealed.
Additionally, the construction of a psychiatric hospital in Tamale has commenced, aiming to improve access to mental health services in the northern part of the country.
The facility will include male and female wards, occupational therapy facilities, and family hostels, all designed to provide comprehensive psychiatric care.
Agriculture
Speaking on the impact of government’s policies in the Agriculture sector, the Northern Regional Minister stressed that as an agrarian region; the Northern Region has greatly benefited greatly including the flagship Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) and Rearing for Food and Jobs (RFJ) programs.
These interventions, he said, have helped smallholder farmers increase productivity and improve food security.
“The region boasts over 1.1 million farmers, making agriculture the largest employer. In the ongoing PFJ 2.0, 163,216 farmers have already been registered, along with 32 aggregators and 104 agribusinesses.”
“Our government recognizes that improved agricultural extension and veterinary services are crucial in safeguarding food security,” he remarked.
He noted that the PFJ program has seen an increase in the distribution of subsidized inputs, including seeds and fertilizers, to help farmers boost yields.
Environmental and WASH Projects
He stated that the government’s commitment to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) has seen significant results, including the commissioning of the Tamale Integrated Recycling and Composting Plant in October 2024.
Capable of processing up to 1,200 tons of solid waste daily, this state-of-the-art facility is expected to create 2,000 jobs, offering much-needed employment opportunities for the region’s youth.
“This facility will bring significant environmental and economic benefits, and we are proud of the progress made in the region,” the Minister assured.
According to him, the ongoing government interventions in education, healthcare, agriculture, and sanitation have brought transformative changes to the Northern Region.
These initiatives, he said, are building strong foundations for sustained development, improving living standards, and empowering communities to thrive.
He stated that the achievements in these sectors highlight the region’s potential as a key player in the nation’s development and underscore the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for all citizens.
“By building on these foundations, we can foster a resilient agricultural sector, improve healthcare services, and provide quality education for future generations,” the Minister