The Yagbonwura, Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, overlord of the Gonja Kingdom and President of the Savannah Regional House of Chiefs, has called for critical infrastructure and social services to improve the living conditions of people in the Savannah Region.
The Yagbonwura highlighted the urgent need for potable drinking water, a regional hospital, and a university in the region. “Savannah has vast land resources, yet poverty levels remain high. Development must come to improve the standard of living of our people,” he said.
He raised these concerns when a team from the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC), led by the Chairman, Dr Nii Moi Thompson, and the Director General, Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, paid a courtesy call on him on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
He also stressed that key government institutions should be located in Damongo, the regional capital, noting that “the DVLA is supposed to be in Damongo, but it is currently operating in Bole, even though Damongo is the regional capital.”
Addressing issues of land and peaceful coexistence, the Yagbonwura urged respect for land ownership and proper adherence to boundaries between settlers and indigenous communities. “If settlers know their boundaries and give maximum respect to landowners, there will always be peace,” he noted. He further emphasised that traditional leaders remain committed partners in development, stating, “As chiefs, we are agents of development and will continue to support initiatives that bring progress to our communities.”
Also, the Paramount Chief of the Zimi Traditional Area and Vice President of the Upper West Regional House of Chiefs, Kuro Abu Diara Sukabe Nima V, reiterated the importance of stronger collaboration between traditional authorities and NDPC to promote sustainable development. “Women play a critical role in our communities, and supporting them ensures sustainability,” he said, adding that local planning must reflect the needs of the people. “Planning must start at the local level because we live with the people and understand their priorities.”
He also raised concerns about politically driven development projects, which he said often leads to fragmented initiatives rather than coordinated national progress. “Priorities are often set by politicians seeking electoral advantage, resulting in disjointed development. What we need is a consolidated national development plan that transcends political cycles,” he stated.
According to him, a strong monitoring and evaluation system is essential to measure the impact of projects implemented by NGOs and development partners. “NGOs bring significant funds into our communities, but how do we measure the results? If NDPC strengthens its monitoring and evaluation structures in collaboration with the assemblies, development projects will be more sustainable,” he added.
The chief also highlighted the need to strengthen local economies by linking agricultural production to markets and value chains. “We have gone beyond production. What we need now is value addition and reliable markets for our produce,” he said, appealing for support under initiatives such as the SOCO project to help open up markets for local farmers.
In response, the Director General of the National Development Planning Commission, Dr Audrey Smock Amoah, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to equitable development across the country. “Whatever someone is enjoying in Accra, another person in Damongo should enjoy the same,” she stated.
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NDPC PR UNIT
