The Regional Minister for Western North, Joojo Rocky Obeng, has given an update on some key developments taking place in the region.
In a 30-minute documentary released to the media, he highlighted an impressive array of developmental projects that have been undertaken since he assumed office on March 16, 2021.
The Minister is at the forefront of spearheading projects in the areas of education, health, security, and roads in the region, with the unwavering aim of improving the quality of life for the residents in line with the vision of President Akufo-Addo.
“Development has been top of my agenda as a Regional Minister and since His Excellency the President gave me the mandate to be the Regional Minister that has been my focus. So far, though we have a lot more to achieve in terms of development, the region has seen a transformation in the areas of education, health, security, and roads,” the Minister said.
On security, Mr. Obeng said one of the standout achievements so far is the ongoing construction of a military barracks at Punokrom in the region and the construction of a regional police command secretariat together with accommodation for the Ghana Police Service in the region.
These facilities he said will serve as a crucial component of security infrastructure in the region, aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of both residents and security personnel operating in the area.
According to the Minister, the creation of the region separate from the Western Region has led to an improvement in the road network within the area.
“Particularly we have constructed the Enchi-Didieso road, and reconnected communities that were previously isolated. This has not only improved transportation but has also stimulated economic activities, driving growth and development. Since the creation of the new region, we have witnessed the construction of 441.795 KM of roads,” he said
In the healthcare sector, Mr. Obeng mentioned significant investments made in improving access and quality.
“The Western North was really lacking in terms of health infrastructure. As we speak now, the region can boast of a functional, emergency, and accident center, an oxygen Manifold System at Enchi Hospital, a Medical Theatre, a Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit, a Dialysis Treatment Center, and the distribution of 37 Motorbikes to health professions. Beyond this, we are working to construct a regional hospital at Sefwi Wiaso,” he indicated.
For Education, the Minister highlighted his one-student one-desk initiative has improved the quality of education in the region.
“When I took over this region, I discovered that the lack of student desks in schools in the Western North was hindering the achievement of quality education outcomes. The desk deficit was above 70,000 and so I mobilised local support to embark on the One-student-one-desk which led to the reduction of the deficit to 16,000. So far, the records show that attendance has increased, and so has the academic performance. Very soon, the government will set up one of the STEM Universities in this region,” he added.
Mr. Obeng, described as a visionary leader by H.E Nana Addo during a recent tour of the region, expressed his commitment to the region’s development. Reflecting on the region’s journey since its creation in 2018.
He stated, “The region prior to its creation in 2018 was deprived of developments and I am happy that people from this part of Ghana are gradually seeing developments as envisioned by the President.”
Other infrastructure he mentioned included the ongoing construction of astroturf football pitches for Sefwi Wiawso, Dadieso, and Bia. The ongoing Plantain Sucker multiplication program that has created jobs for more than 1,000 youth in the region is another initiative that is worthy of mentioning.