Tamale: Mr Dominic Bingab Aduna Nitiwul, Member of Parliament for Bimbilla Constituency and former Minister for Defence, has called for a deliberate transformation of Northern Ghana from a region associated with poverty and underdevelopment to one defined by resilience, innovation, peace, and opportunities. Speaking at the First Northern Ghana Development Conference, organized under the 'A Conference of Northern People, Leaders and Partners' in Tamale, Mr Nitiwul emphasized the urgent need to bridge the development divide between the north and south through bold policy interventions and sustained investment in human capital.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Nitiwul stressed that it is time to build a Northern Ghana that symbolizes hope, resilience, innovation, and peace, making it a desirable place even for southerners. He highlighted the necessity for a long-term vision and courageous leadership to change the narrative of the north, suggesting that targeted policies should aim at reducing inequality and creating equal opportunities for all citizens.
Touching on education, Mr Nitiwul noted that no nation could develop without investing in education, which he described as the most powerful tool for national transformation. He expressed concern over the region's lag in education and learning outcomes, noting that such disparities continued to limit the prospects of the northern youth. He emphasized the need for change, stating, 'The north is still far behind in terms of access to quality education, and we see the outcomes. This must change.'
Mr Nitiwul called for increased investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), asserting that equipping young people with employable and practical skills was crucial for Northern Ghana to catch up with the rest of the country. He added, 'The youth of Northern Ghana need employable skills. If we are to catch up with the south, then we must prioritize TVET and upgrade the overall educational infrastructure across the region.'
The Bimbilla MP's remarks come at a time when the Northern Caucus in Parliament and other development actors are exploring ways to tackle the deep-rooted challenges facing Northern Ghana, particularly in education, employment, and infrastructure. His call adds to growing voices advocating a comprehensive and inclusive approach to national development that ensures no region is left behind.
