The Wa West Constituency Executive Committee of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has announced what it describes as a historic reduction in poverty levels in the district, following the release of recent data from the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS).
Addressing a press conference in Wa on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the Wa West Constituency Chairman of the NDC, Matthew Vaari, disclosed that multidimensional poverty in the district had dropped significantly from 61.9 per cent in 2021 to 24.0 per cent in 2025.
According to him, the 37.9 percentage point reduction within four years represents the highest improvement recorded nationally and marks a major turning point for the district, which was previously ranked among the poorest in Ghana.
“It has changed the narratives in the district,” Chairman Vaari stated, adding that the achievement was worthy of celebration while efforts continue to tackle the remaining 24 per cent poverty rate.
The Constituency Chairman attributed the progress largely to the leadership and interventions of the Member of Parliament for Wa West, Peter Lanchene Toobu, whom he praised for introducing innovative and people-centered policies since assuming office in 2021.
He said the MP inherited a constituency battling widespread poverty but had, through “purposeful and committed leadership,” transformed the fortunes of many residents.
Mr. Vaari highlighted several interventions undertaken by the MP during his first term in office, including the payment of school fees for hundreds of students, financial support schemes for women and youth-led businesses, and assistance to farmers across the constituency.
He also mentioned the “Water is Wealth” initiative, a dry-season farming programme launched in early 2026 through which irrigation pumping machines were distributed to young people to encourage all-year-round farming.
The constituency executive committee further noted that Toobu facilitated the fair registration of vulnerable persons onto the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme and promoted communal labour for local development projects instead of relying solely on contractors.
Other interventions cited included the drilling of boreholes to provide potable water to communities, the donation of motorbikes to the police to improve security patrols, and the provision of waterproof life jackets to the District NADMO office to support safe transportation across the Black Volta between Ghana and Burkina Faso.
“All these contributions have collectively made a significant impact in reducing poverty in Wa West to the current level,” he stressed.
Chairman Vaari also acknowledged the contributions of religious bodies, traditional authorities, women groups, youth associations and non-governmental organisations in supporting development efforts within the constituency.
He expressed optimism that the district would witness further progress under President John Dramani Mahama’s “Reset Agenda,” particularly in roads, agriculture, health, education, energy, communication, digital technology and security.
“We have found the right direction. Let’s stay on course. Let’s stay united and channel our energies to fighting poverty, deprivation and under-development,” he urged.
The chairman concluded by reaffirming the constituency’s commitment to reducing the remaining poverty rate between 2026 and 2029, insisting that “leadership is indeed influence.”
By Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara
