President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to transform the Upper West Region into a major commercial and logistics hub by improving border infrastructure, transport networks and trade systems.

According to the President, the region’s strategic location as one of Ghana’s key gateways to the Sahel presents enormous opportunities for cross-border trade, investment and economic growth.

Speaking when the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs paid a courtesy call on him at the Jubilee House, President Mahama said the government intends to position the region to take full advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“As one of our principal gateways to the Sahel, Upper West occupies a vital position in advancing cross-border trade and economic diplomacy,” he said.

The President explained that investments will focus on improving trade infrastructure and creating efficient systems to connect Ghanaian businesses to markets across West Africa and the continent.

“As under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, the government intends to transform the region into a thriving commercial and logistics hub,” he said.

He added that the plan will involve “improving border infrastructure, simplifying administrative procedures, and investing in warehousing and transport services to connect Ghanaian products to regional and continental markets.”

President Mahama said the initiative forms part of a broader national strategy to strengthen transport and logistics infrastructure, including investments in roads, railways and aviation.

“We are improving transport and logistics all over the country, including the railways, the roads, but also air travel,” he stated.

He revealed that plans for the construction of a new airport in the Upper West Region are progressing, with the project expected to enter the procurement stage soon.

“As you would have heard, we are currently about to go to the Public Procurement Authority for authorisation to begin procurement for the new airport,” he said.

The President said the airport project will improve connectivity, facilitate trade and support efforts to make the Upper West Region a major economic centre in northern Ghana.

Beyond transport and trade, President Mahama said the government is also prioritising investments in healthcare delivery across underserved communities.

He noted that Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compounds are being strengthened and integrated into the government’s free primary healthcare programme.

“Government is facilitating investment in health infrastructure, medical equipment and healthcare personnel for underserved communities,” he said.

“We’re strengthening the CHPS compounds, and we’ve integrated your CHPS compounds into the free primary health care programme,” he added.

President Mahama said the facilities are being equipped to improve preventive healthcare and provide better medical support to rural communities.

“So your CHPS compounds are receiving equipment in order that they can carry out preventive health care and also provide medical support for the rural communities,” he stated.

On the Agenda 111 hospital projects, President Mahama disclosed that the government has selected 35 facilities across the country for completion, focusing on those that are already significantly advanced.

“We have selected 35 Agenda 111 hospitals for completion. These are those that were near completion, above 70% completion,” he said.

He noted that two of the selected facilities are located in the Upper West Region, adding that more projects will be considered in subsequent budgets.

“I think two of them are in the Upper West Region,” he said.

“Next year we’ll budget to complete some more,” he added.

The President further highlighted education as another key area of investment, saying the government is improving infrastructure, teacher development, digital learning, and technical and vocational education.

“In education, we’re investing in infrastructure, teacher development, digital learning, and technical and vocational education and training,” he said.

He explained that the objective is to position the Upper West Region as a centre of academic excellence in northern Ghana.

President Mahama said the government will continue to collaborate with the Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies and Dr Hilla Limann Technical University to strengthen higher education and skills development.

“We’ll continue working with UDS and Dr Hilla Limann Technical University to position the region as a centre of academic excellence in Northern Ghana,” he said.

On water and sanitation, the President said the government will continue expanding rural water systems, rehabilitating broken boreholes and improving urban water infrastructure in Wa and surrounding communities.

“Government will continue expanding rural water systems, rehabilitating boreholes, and improving urban water infrastructure for the Wa municipality and surrounding communities,” he stated.