Members of the Bolgatanga, Nabdam, Bongo and Tongo (BONABOTO) area, drawn from home and the diaspora, have commended the government for allocating funds in the 2026 Budget for the construction of the Bolgatanga Airport in the Upper East Region.

The group, however, appealed for urgent attention to road infrastructure, education, chieftaincy disputes and regional connectivity in the region.

These concerns were captured in a communiqué issued at the end of BONABOTO’s Silver Jubilee Congress, held from December 29 to 31, 2025, at Damolg–Tindongo in the Upper East Region.

The congress was held under the theme: “Celebrating our legacy, unity, advocacy, culture and impact – The journey continues!”

The event brought together BONABOTO members from Ghana and the diaspora to review the association’s advocacy efforts over the years, examine development challenges confronting the Bolgatanga, Nabdam, Bongo and Tongo areas, and assess their collective contribution to socio-economic development in the region and northern Ghana.

25 Years of Advocacy

In a communiqué signed by the National President of BONABOTO, Professor Samuel Awinkene Atintono, the association noted that the Silver Jubilee marked 25 years of organising national congresses from 2001 to 2025.

The association said the congress also outlined a forward-looking agenda anchored on partnerships with government and other stakeholders to promote sustainable development, social cohesion and improved living standards within the BONABOTO area.

BONABOTO reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government as a development partner through constructive engagement, advocacy and community mobilisation.

Bolgatanga AirportBONABOTO applauded the government for making budgetary provision in the 2026 fiscal year for the construction of the Bolgatanga Airport, describing the decision as a major milestone in addressing a long-standing infrastructure gap in the region.

The association noted that it had advocated for the airport for more than two decades, stressing that the project would stimulate economic growth, enhance trade and commerce, facilitate medical evacuations, strengthen supply chains, boost tourism and improve regional and national connectivity.

The communiqué urged the government to demonstrate commitment by ensuring that actual construction begins in 2026, so the budgetary allocation translates into tangible progress on the ground.

Bawku Conflict

On the protracted Bawku conflict, the communiqué commended the Government for steps taken towards restoring peace and stability in the area.

“BONABOTO acknowledges the security, mediation and peacebuilding interventions aimed at restoring calm in Bawku and its surrounding communities,” the statement said.

The association noted that the conflict had disrupted economic activities, restricted movement, affected access to education and healthcare, and created insecurity for residents.

It stressed that sustainable peace in Bawku is critical to the overall development and security of the Upper East Region.

BONABOTO encouraged the government to sustain dialogue with traditional authorities, community leaders, security agencies and other stakeholders to consolidate gains made and prevent a recurrence of violence.

Road InfrastructureThe association appealed for the prioritisation of the construction and rehabilitation of internal roads within the Bolgatanga Municipality and across the BONABOTO area.

It said the poor state of roads continues to impede socio-economic activities, reduce agricultural productivity and limit access to markets, healthcare and educational facilities.

BONABOTO called for adequate budgetary allocations in subsequent fiscal years to support comprehensive road construction and maintenance programmes.

Gurene as an Examinable SubjectThe congress also called for the immediate approval of Gurene (Frafra) as an examinable subject by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) from 2026.

Although Gurene was approved by the Ghana Education Service in 2022 as a recognised Ghanaian language, BONABOTO noted that the policy has yet to be operationalised to allow students to write examinations in the language.

The association said making Gurene examinable would enhance comprehension, promote mother-tongue education, preserve cultural identity and improve literacy levels.

Chieftaincy DisputeThe communiqué drew attention to the unresolved Bolgatanga chieftaincy dispute, which has been before the courts since 2013.

BONABOTO said the prolonged dispute has weakened traditional authority, hindered development initiatives and affected social cohesion, and appealed to the Government to work with the Judicial Service and traditional authorities to facilitate a fair and speedy resolution.

Bolgatanga–Tamale Road

The association expressed concern about the deteriorating condition of the Bolgatanga–Tamale road, describing it as a critical economic corridor linking the Upper East Region to other parts of Ghana.

It said the poor state of the road poses serious safety risks, increases transport costs, damages vehicles and negatively affects agricultural and commercial activities.

BONABOTO therefore appealed to the Government to prioritise the comprehensive reconstruction of the road to modern engineering standards to ensure durability, safety and long-term economic benefits.