President John Dramani Mahama has tasked the newly inaugurated five-member Bawku Revitalisation Committee with helping restore infrastructure, livelihoods and economic activity in Bawku and surrounding communities affected by prolonged conflict.
The committee is expected to support the government’s broader efforts to rebuild communities, improve infrastructure and create conditions for residents and businesses to return to productive activities.
Speaking at the inauguration of the committee on Wednesday, August 26, President Mahama said the government’s focus goes beyond physical reconstruction.
He said the revitalisation programme is intended to help residents recover their livelihoods and ensure that communities in the Bawku area receive their fair share of national development.
“Now we have the opportunity to go back and continue the development so that the people of the area will benefit from all the projects that we have been doing so that Bawku will get its fair share of the national cake,” he said.
Five-member committee
The committee is chaired by Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson and brings together political, traditional and regional representatives.
Its members are:
- Mahama Ayariga, Member of Parliament for Bawku Central
- Cletus Abugre, Tamapani Chief
- Donatus Akamugri Atanga, Upper East Regional Minister
- Thomas Anaba, Member of Parliament for Garu
The composition of the committee brings together representatives with knowledge of the affected communities and responsibility for public administration and development in the area.
Revitalisation fund to support development
President Mahama said funding under the initiative would be used to address infrastructure needs and other priorities identified by the committee.
He explained that the revitalisation fund would not be restricted to a single type of project, allowing the committee to determine other areas requiring intervention.
“The revitalisation fund will go to the provision of infrastructure and any other areas that the committee deems fit,” the President said.
He further indicated that the benefits of the programme should extend beyond Bawku itself to other districts within the wider Bawku area.
Mahama backs committee to deliver
President Mahama expressed strong confidence in the committee’s ability to manage the assignment effectively, citing the members’ experience in public service.
He said he expected the committee to approach its responsibilities with integrity and efficiency as it works towards supporting the recovery of communities affected by instability.
The revitalisation initiative is expected to complement broader efforts to restore normalcy in the area by addressing infrastructure gaps while helping residents and businesses rebuild their livelihoods.
The committee’s work will therefore be central to the government’s plans to translate improved stability into renewed development and economic activity across Bawku and neighbouring communities.
