UE/R: SOCO PROJECT FACILITATORS URGED TO WORK HARD FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT – DCE NABDAM
BY: PROSPER ADANKAI
The Upper East Region has witnessed a concerning surge in road accidents, prompting the Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugri Atanga,
to issue stern warnings to residents, particularly the youth, about the dangers of reckless riding and alcohol consumption on the roads.
Speaking at a recent Regional Coordinating Council meeting in Bolgatanga, Minister Atanga expressed deep concern over the increasing
fatalities and injuries from motorbike-related accidents, urging both enforcement agencies and communities to take urgent preventive action.
According to provisional data from the National Road Safety Authority, the Upper East Region recorded fifty-eight deaths from road crashes
between January and November 2025. The data reveals a striking gender disparity, with forty-four male victims, representing seventy-six
percent, and fourteen female victims, accounting for twenty-four percent. Motorcycles were disproportionately involved in these
accidents, accounting for eighty-seven of the total one hundred and two crashes, representing eighty-five percent of all incidents.
Tricycles were involved in eleven crashes, while bicycles contributed to four cases. These accidents collectively resulted in one hundred
and twenty-seven injuries, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions to curb road-related fatalities and ensure public
safety.
Minister Atanga emphasized that the high involvement of motorcycles in accidents reflects a broader public safety concern. He specifically
cautioned young riders against consuming alcohol while riding, describing it as a leading contributor to motorbike crashes. “Our
youth must understand that the consequences of reckless riding and alcohol use are fatal, not only to themselves but to other road users
and their families,” he stressed. The Minister urged parents, community leaders, and transport unions to work with law enforcement
agencies to sensitize riders and reduce road accidents.
Speaking at the same meeting, the Chairman of the Regional Security Council called on the Ghana Police Service and the National Road
Safety Authority to intensify enforcement and public education, particularly during the festive period of Christmas and New Year when
road usage peaks. He advocated for increased patrols, sobriety checkpoints, and community awareness campaigns to ensure that road
users comply with traffic regulations. Minister Atanga further encouraged residents to reflect on the spirit of Christmas, which
involves sacrifice and responsibility, and to demonstrate renewed commitment to safe behaviour in the coming year.
While road safety remains a pressing concern, Minister Atanga also addressed a series of regional challenges affecting development, youth
employment, and community stability. He noted that the Bawku, Bolgatanga, and Doba-Kandiga areas continue to experience tensions
arising from chieftaincy and land disputes, which have historically disrupted social cohesion and economic activities. The Minister emphasized the need for dialogue, traditional authority mediation, and community sensitization to reduce conflict and ensure peaceful
coexistence.
Youth unemployment remains a critical challenge, compounded by infrastructure deficits in educational institutions. Minister Atanga
recalled recent disturbances, including a student riot at one of the Senior High Schools in the region, which highlighted the urgent need
for accountability, transparency, and active student engagement in school management. He reiterated that the government is committed to
improving educational infrastructure and enhancing vocational and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people to reduce frustration
and prevent social unrest. The Minister also updated stakeholders on enforcement actions against illegal mining activities in the region. Recent operations in the Tilli forested areas, Katanga, and Red Volta Basin led to the arrest of seventy individuals, including foreign nationals, who have since been arraigned in court. These arrests reflect the government’s firm stance on protecting the environment, ensuring sustainable resource management, and curbing illegal economic activities that jeopardize regional development.
A significant part of Minister Atanga’s address focused on development projects aimed at stimulating economic activity and enhancing regional
facilities. The establishment of a permanent passport office in Bolgatanga is underway, designed to improve access to immigration and
identification services. Similarly, proposals for a 24-hour economy market are progressing, with land lease documents submitted and twenty-five percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund allocated to support the feasibility study. This market is envisioned as a hub to boost trade, stimulate job creation, and enhance the region’s economic profile.
Infrastructure development also extends to transportation and energy access. The Upper East Regional Minister stressed the need for the
expansion of streetlight networks to improve safety in urban and peri-urban communities, particularly along major highways and market
areas. In parallel, ongoing discussions regarding the regional airport aim to improve air connectivity, facilitate trade, and promote
tourism. These initiatives, according to Minister Atanga, are vital for positioning the region as a competitive destination for investment
and cultural engagement. Agricultural development, particularly poultry production, is another priority. Plans are underway to revamp the regional meat factory to accommodate Nkoko Nkitinkiti poultry meat processing, enabling local farmers to access structured markets and improving food security. The initiative is expected to boost agribusiness, create employment, and provide quality protein for residents and surrounding communities.
Minister Atanga highlighted challenges in the justice system that affect timely case adjudication. Engagements with the Ghana Prisons Service and the Ministry of Interior are in progress to establish a remand center in Bolgatanga. The new facility will address the logistical constraints of the Navrongo Prison and the backlog of cases arising from volatile situations in Bawku, facilitating faster processing of court cases and enhancing the rule of law in the region. The Upper East Regional Minister also reiterated the government’s commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. While mining provides economic opportunities, it must be conducted within the framework of environmental regulations to prevent degradation of forested areas and water bodies. Law enforcement operations against illegal mining reflect the balance the government seeks between economic growth and ecological stewardship.
Public safety remains a recurring theme in Minister Atanga’s address. Beyond road safety, the enforcement of laws governing public conduct,
substance abuse, and traffic regulations is essential for creating a secure and orderly society. Community engagement, including working
with traditional leaders, youth associations, and civil society, is vital to building awareness and encouraging adherence to rules
designed to protect lives and property. Addressing youth unemployment requires deliberate efforts to create opportunities. Minister Atanga noted that initiatives in the arts, culture, trade, and agriculture sectors are being strengthened to provide skills development and entrepreneurial support. These initiatives, alongside improved infrastructure such as markets, transport networks, and electricity access, are critical to reducing frustration among young people and curbing activities that may lead to social unrest.
The Minister’s address also underscored the importance of resolving longstanding chieftaincy and land disputes in the region. Areas like
Bawku, Bolgatanga, and Diva Kandiga have been prone to periodic conflicts arising from land allocation and traditional leadership
issues. Minister Atanga emphasized that these matters require mediation, dialogue, and adherence to legal frameworks to ensure
peaceful coexistence and sustainable development. Looking ahead, Minister Atanga highlighted several strategic priorities for the Upper East Region. Strengthening road safety enforcement and public education to reduce fatalities and injuries, enhancing infrastructure including streetlights, market facilities, airports, and educational institutions, promoting youth employment through skills development, entrepreneurship, and access to credit, revitalizing agriculture and agro-processing, addressing illegal mining and environmental degradation while promoting sustainable practices, establishing remand centers to improve the efficiency of the justice system, and fostering peace through dialogue and mediation on chieftaincy and land disputes are all critical steps toward ensuring the region’s holistic development. Minister Atanga stressed that these initiatives are interconnected, aiming to create a safer, more prosperous, and cohesive Upper East Region. He called on residents, traditional leaders, government agencies, and development partners to collaborate actively in implementing these priorities,
emphasizing that development requires shared responsibility and community engagement.
The Upper East Regional Minister’s address underscores the complexity of governance in a region facing multiple challenges, including road
safety, youth unemployment, chieftaincy disputes, infrastructure deficits, and environmental management. By linking public safety
initiatives with economic development, educational improvements, and justice system reforms, Minister Atanga presents a holistic vision for
the region’s progress. Road crashes, particularly those involving motorcycles, remain a pressing concern, and the Minister’s call for responsible riding and alcohol avoidance is timely. Concurrently, initiatives in mining regulation, market development, infrastructure, and remand facilities demonstrate the government’s commitment to comprehensive regional development.
As the festive season approaches, the Minister’s appeal for reflection, sacrifice, and renewed commitment to responsible behaviour serves as a reminder that safety, peace, and development are shared responsibilities. With continued collaboration between government agencies, traditional authorities, youth, and the wider community, the Upper East Region is poised to address its challenges and leverage opportunities for sustainable growth and social cohesion.
