Strategic Unity key to Transform Northern Ghana - Afenyo-Markin Urges Leaders of Northern Caucus

The Minority Leader in Parliament, Hon. Alexander Kwamina Afenyo-Markin, has called on leaders, stakeholders, and citizens across Northern Ghana to rise above political divisions and cultural differences to champion a shared development agenda that will bring lasting transformation to the region.

He made this impassioned appeal at the maiden Northern Ghana Development Conference held at the University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale on Monday, July 21, 2025.

The historic gathering, themed “A Conference of Northern People, Leaders, and Partners,” brought together a wide spectrum of participants including Members of Parliament, traditional rulers, regional and municipal leaders, development partners, academics, youth groups, and private sector actors.

The event marked a major milestone in Ghana’s political and development landscape, as it signalled a renewed bipartisan commitment from northern representatives in Parliament to work together in addressing decades-long challenges faced by the five northern regions, Upper West, Upper East, Northern, North East, and Savannah.

Northern Ghana, A Region of Strengths and Struggles

In his good will message, Hon. Afenyo-Markin extolled the region’s immense cultural diversity and agricultural strength, describing the North as Ghana’s “breadbasket,” responsible for over 40% of the country’s agricultural output.

“This cultural wealth is not a source of division—it is a resource for tolerance, unity, and shared purpose,” he stated. “It is time we convert this richness into strategic action.”

He called for increased investment in modernized agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy, tourism, and digital entrepreneurship, emphasizing these sectors as vital engines for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The Minority leader also acknowledged the official inauguration of the Northern Caucus in Parliament by Speaker Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, noting that the creation of a unified bloc of northern MPs across party lines represents a landmark achievement in regional cooperation.

“This caucus must serve as the collective voice for Northern Ghana in Parliament. Together, we must ensure that development priorities such as quality education, infrastructure, healthcare, and youth empowerment are not only articulated but acted upon in national policy and budget decisions,” he asserted.

Persistent Challenges and the Path Forward

The Minority Leader laid bare the stark realities still facing Northern Ghana, as poverty levels in some parts of the region remain as high as 80%, poor infrastructure, including inadequate road networks, unreliable electricity, and limited access to clean water, continues to undermine development.

He also highlighted educational underperformance and healthcare gaps, insecurity, driven by chieftaincy disputes, ethnic tensions, and climate-induced conflicts, among others remains a significant threat to peace and progress that further compound the region’s struggles.

Hon Afenyo-Markin stressed that these issues are deeply interconnected and have collectively marginalized the North for decades.

However, he remained optimistic, stating, “The tide can turn. But it will require focused leadership, bold investments, and unwavering partnerships. If we align our actions, we can overcome decades of stagnation and build a Northern Ghana that is prosperous, peaceful, and forward-looking.”

The Conference, A Platform for Action

The 2025 Northern Development Conference served as a platform for collaboration, policy discussion, and agenda-setting that tackled key development pillars, especially economic transformation and industrialization, sustainable agriculture and food security, youth and entrepreneurship development, peacebuilding, governance, and decentralization as well as tourism, culture, and heritage as economic assets.

Among key attendees were Majority Leader Hon. Mahama Ayariga, North East Regional Minister Hon. Ibrahim Tia, Northern Regional Minister Ali Adolf John, the Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, representing H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, Members of the Council of State, and dozens of traditional rulers from across the five regions.

The event also attracted regional directors of state institutions, private investors, local and international NGOs, academic researchers, and civil society organizations, all united in their call for an actionable and inclusive northern development blueprint.

A Call to Collective Responsibility

Hon Afenyo-Markin therefore called to action, urging traditional leaders, youth groups, development partners, investors, and politicians—regardless of party—to rise to the occasion and support a bold, strategic roadmap for Northern Ghana’s transformation.

“Let us not waste this opportunity. The Northern Caucus must be the driver of coordinated policy, transparency, and accountable governance. Our people deserve better, and with the right leadership and determination, we can deliver, ” the Minority emphasized.

He stressed that development must go beyond rhetoric and symbolic gestures, calling for clear timelines, measurable targets, and robust monitoring mechanisms to ensure results are achieved and progress is sustained.

“Together, we can build a North that is not only a beacon of prosperity and peace but a vital pillar in the strengthening of a more inclusive and united Ghana,” he added.