President John Mahama has unveiled a development agenda for the Northeast Region, including the establishment of a public university, major road projects, improved health facilities, and agricultural investments to boost economic growth and address youth unemployment.

Speaking at the Jubilee House on Thursday, July 17, during a visit by a high-powered delegation from the Nayiri, Overlord of Mamprugu, President Mahama announced, “I’m pleased to reaffirm that my government is actively working on the modalities for the establishment of a public university in the Northeast Region of our country.”

He said the initiative was part of efforts to ensure equal access to higher education.

“This is part of our broader effort to ensure equitable access to tertiary education for all our people in all parts of the country and so that nobody will be left out,” he added.

The president stressed the importance of road infrastructure in unlocking the region’s economic potential.

“We recognise that development cannot be complete without reliable infrastructure, and that is why we are prioritising the completion of major roads critical to connectivity and economic activity within the Northeast Region,” he said.

Key road projects named include the Nalerigu–Gambaga–Walewale road, the Ulugu–Pusiga road, the Nasia–Tanga road, the Nalerigu–Bunkpurugu–Nakpanduri road, the Nalerigu–Bintiri road, the Tamale–Zebilla–Walewale road, and the Nanduri–Kolumbugu road.

He also pledged that the long-delayed Micho Bridge would soon be completed to improve access to remote areas.

Addressing water needs, President Mahama said, “We are providing small-town water systems to Nalerigu, Gambaga and Walewale to tackle the persistent water challenges.”

On health care, he confirmed plans to construct new district hospitals and CHPS compounds in Jagaba, Mpulugu, Yunyo, and Chereponi. “As also contained in our manifesto, we shall build a modern Regional Hospital in the Northeast Region. This will spare our people the trouble of having to travel all the way to Tamale to get specialised treatment,” he said.

He also announced that all six new regions, including the Northeast, will each receive a modern sports stadium to promote youth development through sports.

Turning to agriculture, President Mahama said the Yagaba–Fumbisi area would be developed into Ghana’s rice production hub. “A modern rice mill is to be built at Dzadema to buy and process all the rice that is produced. The rice will be bought by the National Buffer Stock Company and supplied to our schools and hospitals, and so the farmers will have a ready market for their rice,” he explained.

On youth employment, the president acknowledged the urgency of the crisis. “No task is more urgent than creating hope and opportunities for our young people. We are acutely aware of the unemployment crisis, particularly among the youth in the Northeast Region,” he said.

He highlighted government interventions like the National Apprenticeship Programme and the Adwumawura initiative. “We are eager to partner closely with your palace and traditional councils to ensure that these programmes are tailored to local realities and benefits,” President Mahama assured the Nayiri and his delegation.