Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the North of Ghana are urging President John Dramani Mahama to revisit a blueprint for the development of the most deprived part of the country.
The SADA Master Plan, as the blueprint is known, was drawn up under the Mahama government as part of plans to reposition the Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) as driving force for the development of the country’s North after the agency was hit with scandalous acts of corruption.
However, following the change of government in 2017, “The said Master Plan was shelved to gather dust,” said the CSOs under the umbrella of Coalition of Northern Ghana Civil Society Organizations.
They argued that the document “is still very relevant and fit for purpose and should be revisited”.
They want the Mahama administration to vote resources towards its effective implementation as they said it will lead to eradication of poverty, hunger and regional inequalities if it is properly roll out.
“Interestingly and coincidently, the SADA Master Plan contains some of the key policy proposals in the 2024 NDC Manifesto. These include investing in women empowerment, industrialization, renewable energy and building climate-resilient irrigational infrastructure such as the Pwalugu dam and phase 2 of the Tammne dam for modernized agricultural economy for improved agricultural productivity, food security, jobs, incomes and improved livelihoods,” they said.
For them, putting the plan into action will make the country not only food sufficient but also contribute significantly to its overall GDP.
“We conclude by urging the president to create more space for periodic engagement with CSOs particularly those in the Northern part of the country for effective policy dialogue, prioritization and implementation to transform lives and build the Ghana we want,” they further entreated in a statement singed by Bismark Adongo Ayorogo of NOPRA
