Western and Upper West to receive special attention

Wa (Upper West Region) -- Dr. Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Economic Planning and Regional Co-operation, announced at Wa on Monday that the Upper West and Western regions were to be given special attention under the Ghana Poverty Reduction Project with regard to the Social Investment Fund.

Briefing a meeting of the Upper West Regional Coordinating Council on the objectives of the project, Dr. Nduom said available information and analysisshow that the Upper West is the poorest in the country.


The Western Region, in spite of its output to the country's economy, is the least developed in terms of infrastructure.


Dr. Nduom identified infrastructure, agriculture and private sector development as priority areas under medium term objectives of the programme.


The Minister explained that under infrastructure development, it was the aim of the government to open up every part of the country for investment.

Dr. Nduom said roads, bridges, telephone, electricity and water would be significantly improved throughout the country within the next four years.


He called on utility providers to play their part to save investors from having to make additional cost in providing for these services themselves.


Dr. Nduom said in view of the serious level of poverty in the Upper West, the remaining three districts of Lawra, Jirapa and Wa would now be added among beneficiary districts under the SIF.


The Nadowli and Sissala districts in the region are among the 45 districts throughout the country benefiting under the SIF.