When the National Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, arrived in Bolgatanga for his Thank You Tour, he was greeted not just with applause, but with stories of transformation and hope. The gathering was more than ceremonial; it was a celebration of hard-won progress and a recommitment to the municipality’s future.
Taking center stage, Bolgatanga Municipal Chief Executive Roland Atanga Ayoo welcomed the party chairman and supporters with pride. He noted that the visit underscored the NDC’s dedication to building strong grassroots networks and staying deeply engaged with the people, the foundation of the party’s strength.
“Bolgatanga Municipality,” Mr. Ayoo proclaimed, “has always played a strategic role in the Upper East Region’s socio-economic and political growth. Our people are resilient and united by a shared pursuit of development, democracy, and progress.”
Mr. Ayoo then shared the results of months of dedicated effort. Since taking office in April 2025, he had vowed to work side by side with stakeholders to uplift the municipality. And true to his word, achievements could be seen across education, health, agriculture, social welfare, and sanitation.
Education, he said, was witnessing a renaissance:
New classroom blocks were springing up in Dorongo Aperiga, Yorogo Gaabisi, and Kologu Aguusi. The Anateem Kindergarten block had been completed, and the Nyariga classroom block renovated. With 1,200 dual desks and nearly 12,000 textbooks distributed, and over 600 teachers trained, the path was set for better learning outcomes, especially for girls, as hundreds received support for their BECE exams.
But it was in healthcare that the MCE’s pride shone brightest.
According to Mr. Ayoo, the Yipaala Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound had been handed over to the Ghana Health Service, while other facilities in Zaare East, Kulbia, and Sawaba were also completed. Ongoing construction and renovations at Waribisi, Sumbrungu Anateem, and Daporetindongo promised even greater access to healthcare in the near future. Public health campaigns and strong partnerships were raising awareness and improving services, especially for mothers and children.
Agriculture, the backbone of the local economy, was thriving. Over 800 groups, nearly 20,000 farmers, joined the Feed Ghana Program, while women food processors received essential startup kits. Training and business support empowered local artisans and entrepreneurs, with carpenters, hairdressers, and dressmakers benefiting from the National Apprenticeship Programme.
Social protection initiatives were also bearing fruit. Through the LEAP program, more than 1,100 households received over 3.1 million Ghana Cedis in grants, with further expansion on the horizon. Persons with Disabilities were supported with funds, equipment, and stipends, helping transform lives and livelihoods.
The MCE also highlighted the municipality’s push for environmental cleanliness, with intensified clean-up campaigns and improved waste management. Public education, radio outreach, and collaboration with security agencies were key to fostering a healthy, peaceful community.
Yet, challenges remained. Mr. Ayoo called for support to complete unfinished dormitories at ZAMSTECH, finish the abandoned polyclinic, elevate Bolgatanga to metropolitan status, and resolve the Bolgatanga Skin dispute for lasting peace and future development.
Expressing gratitude to the NDC’s national leadership, the hardworking Member of Parliament, and the people of Bolgatanga, Mr. Ayoo closed with a warm invitation to Mr. Nketia. “Feel at home,” he said. “The people of Bolgatanga are renowned for their hospitality, and we are honored to host you.”
With these words, the MCE brought his address to an end, leaving the assembly with a sense of pride in their achievements and hope for even greater progress as a united community.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com