The Coalition of Northern Ghana Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has urged President John Dramani Mahama to leave a legacy of a transformed Northern Ghana for even and balanced development across the country. 

Led by the Northern Patriots in Research and Advocacy (NORPRA), the CSOs, in a statement congratulated the President for the resounding victory in the December polls and a smooth transition to the Flagstaff House, and asked him to spread development as required by Article 36 of the 1992 Constitution.  

“The President’s reassurance and reaffirmation of his government’s commitment to reset the country and build a Ghana of opportunities for all in his inaugural address was indeed very intriguing, refreshing, inspiring and therefore commendable”, the statement, signed by Mr Bismark Adongo Ayorogo, Executive Director of NORPRA and Spokesperson for the Coalition and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Bolgatanga said.

“As a Coalition that has over the years advocated for accelerated socio-economic transformation of Northern Ghana and the achievement of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) especially the goals on poverty, hunger and inequalities, we are greatly concerned about the threats of high levels of poverty, hunger and inequalities in certain parts of the country that posed serious threats to the attainment of these goals and improved well-being of the poor, vulnerable and marginalized groups in society.  

“It is therefore our expectation that the new administration will work hard and commit more resources to end poverty, hunger and inequalities in Ghana within the timelines of the SDGs.” 

The statement equally appreciated the President’s sterling leadership in his previous administration which saw strong systems and structures including a very comprehensive development blueprint developed after broad-based consultations for the Northern Savannah Ecological Zone otherwise known as the SADA Master Plan.  

It said the Master Plan which was shelved to gather dust following a change of government in 2016 was still relevant and fit for purpose and should be revisited and significant public investment made for its effective implementation for eradication of poverty, hunger, and regional inequalities.  

“Interestingly and coincidentally, the SADA Master Plan contains some of the key policy proposals in the 2024 NDC Manifesto. These include investing in women's empowerment, industrialisation, renewable energy and building climate-resilient irrigational infrastructure such as the Pwalugu dam and phase two of the Tamne dam for a modernised agricultural economy for improved agricultural productivity, food security, jobs, incomes, and improved livelihoods. 

“It is also well documented that Northern Ghana with 8 million hectares of arable land has what it takes not only to be the food basket of the entire country feeding over 50 million population but could also contribute more to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than its current annual contribution of US$10.1billion if it receives significant public investment without corruption and mismanagement of public resources”, it added. 

The statement therefore urged President Mahama to create more space for periodic engagement with CSOs particularly those in the Northern part of the country for effective policy dialogue, prioritisation and implementation to transform lives and build the Ghana they want.