The Upper East Regional Minister-designate, Donatus Akamugri Atanga, has pledged to prioritise peace and development in Bawku.

Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee, Mr Atanga explained that achieving lasting peace in Bawku is critical to restoring its economic vibrancy and regional influence.

He recalled that Bawku was once a key economic hub in West Africa, benefiting from its strategic location along Ghana’s borders with Togo and Burkina Faso. However, years of insecurity have disrupted commerce, forcing many businesses to relocate.

“I would like to see to it that peace in Bawku is actualised, so the town can return to the good old days when it was referred to as the ‘West African Constituency,’” he stated.

The Minister-designate also assured the people of the Upper East Region that major projects, such as Bolgtanga Airport, the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam, would be constructed, as it will provide jobs and open up the area for economic activities.

“This project will not only improve agriculture through irrigation but will also provide hydropower, boosting energy supply and economic opportunities,” he explained.

Mr Atanga also addressed the serious challenges in the region’s health sector, particularly the alarming doctor-patient ratio of 1 doctor to 24,124 patients—a figure far beyond the United Nations’ recommended ratio of 1:1,000.

He also pledged to ensure the completion of hospitals under the government’s Agenda 111 initiative, which aims to provide district hospitals across the country to enhance healthcare access.