Traditional authorities in the Western North region have passionately appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise the establishment of a public tertiary university and a regional hospital in the area.
The appeal was made by Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, the Chief of Sehwi Boinzan and the Krontihene of the Sehwi Wiawso Traditional Area, during President Mahama’s ‘Thank You’ tour to the region.
Addressing a gathering of chiefs, opinion leaders, and party supporters, Nana Ofori Ahenkan II noted that the region remains one of the most deprived regarding higher education and healthcare infrastructure.
According to him, despite being a major cocoa-producing area and contributing significantly to the national economy, the Western North region still lacks a public university and a fully equipped regional hospital.
He appealed to the president and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to make the region a priority in their development agenda, stressing that the people of Western North deserve their fair share of the national cake.
According to him, the most impactful and enduring contribution the President can make to the region is to invest in higher education by setting up a public university. He stressed that education remains the most powerful tool for national development.
He made a passionate appeal, stating, “If you were to arrest about 20 armed robbers, you would hardly find a single university graduate among them. This highlights the critical role education plays in shaping responsible and productive citizens.”
He said the move would empower the youth, boost regional development, and serve as a proud legacy for generations to come.
In response, President Mahama acknowledged the concerns raised and assured the chiefs and people of the region that their requests would be carefully considered.
Speaking on the matter, the President noted that Western North remains one of the newly created regions without a public university. He revealed that the government is currently in discussions with the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to establish an autonomous university in the region.
According to Mahama, the move forms part of efforts to honour the region’s identity and provide greater educational opportunities for the youth.
In addition to plans for a new university, the President disclosed that the government is also working to enhance infrastructure in key pre-tertiary institutions within the region.
Under the Free SHS Trust Fund, improvement works will be carried out at Sefwi Wiawso Senior High School, Bodi Senior High School, and Juaboso Senior High School.
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