Residents of the Western North Region have expressed deep frustration over what they describe as a prolonged stagnation in development across several communities, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, health, education, and job creation. They are appealing to the central government to urgently turn its attention to the region, which they believe has been left behind despite its rich natural resources.
The concerns come amid visible signs of neglect in towns such as Bibiani, Sefwi Wiawso, and Akontombra, where some roads remain untarred, health facilities are under-equipped, and educational infrastructure is either dilapidated or insufficient. Several residents who spoke to the press voiced their disappointment at the slow pace of progress despite voting for change, noting that promises made during political campaigns have yet to materialize.
A teacher at a basic school in Sefwi Bekwai lamented the poor state of classrooms and inadequate learning materials, which she said continue to affect teaching and learning outcomes. “We have bright children, but the conditions here are just not helping them. The government must remember we are also part of Ghana,” she said.
In the health sector, residents cited a lack of access to quality healthcare. In particular, communities in the hinterlands reportedly have only one or two health centres serving thousands of people, often without qualified medical officers. Emergencies are either referred to distant towns or managed with limited resources, putting lives at risk.
Local road networks, which serve as lifelines for cocoa and timber transport, remain in deplorable condition. Farmers say they struggle to move their goods to market, especially during the rainy season. A cocoa farmer in the Asawinso area shared that post-harvest losses have increased due to inaccessible roads, affecting incomes and livelihood sustainability.
Some community leaders have also expressed concerns about youth unemployment, which they say is fuelling social vices and threatening the peace of the region. With no factories, few job opportunities, and little investment in skills development, many young people are either migrating to urban centres or engaging in illegal mining, known locally as galamsey.
The Western North Region, created in 2019 to accelerate development and decentralization, was initially welcomed with enthusiasm. However, residents now say that the intended benefits of regional autonomy have not been realized. “We expected better roads, more schools, and a stronger local economy, but not much has changed,” said a traditional leader in the area.
Civil society groups operating in the region are calling on the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development, as well as the Western North Regional Coordinating Council, to increase their presence and speed up ongoing development projects. They also urged Parliamentarians and Municipal Chief Executives (MCEs) to be more accountable to the people they serve.
Residents are appealing to H.E. John Dramani Mahama and his government to fulfil their commitment to inclusive development by prioritizing the Western North Region. “We are not asking for too much—just the basic things every Ghanaian deserves, especially jobs, proper healthcare, and motorable roads,” a youth leader concluded.
